Mindfulness sounds simple: Being in the present moment, purposefully, without judgment. But as practicing mindfulness requires staying “awake” minute-to-minute, we find that that mindful living ain’t easy!
But it’s amazing.
When we’re enjoying a beautiful moment, we can really get involved. We can really experience it. Instead of thinking ahead (where’s my camera — I really have to take a picture of this — what will happen next), we enjoy and interact in the moment as it is.
On the flip side, when the going gets tough, we feel motivated to stay with the experience. Instead of fleeing or numbing out or ignoring, we can focus on our breathing, staying present in challenging situations like brave soldiers, gracefully.
And these moments happen continuously throughout the course of the day, throughout the course of our lives.
Mindful Living = Ongoing Work
This morning when I woke up, my kitten purring next to me, I felt comfortable and at peace. Beautiful sunshine poured in through the window. I checked email from bed, thought about my day and laughed about a funny memory. Then suddenly a thought popped in my mind — an anxious thought — completely out of left field. I wanted to shoo it away as quickly as possible, but I stopped. I sat there with it and let it gently flow in and out of my mind.
Our minds send us messages continuously — for better or worse. These messages may not always be at the most opportune times. But when we practice staying present, these messages are welcomed with peace. When we don’t strive to repress them or push them away, creating tension and stress, they eventually start to flow right on along.
The Power of Mindful Living Comes from Its Practice
If we want to live rather than exist — if we want to taste, touch and experience life, then it requires our presence. We use care and discernment. We start again and again.
The breeze at dawn has secrets to tell you, don’t go back to sleep. ~Rumi
Every second you spend on mindful living pays off — for you, for others, for ALL of us. Sending you peace and love on your journey.
