Mind Full, Not Mindful
While I was fully engaged in my teaching career in the city it was difficult to go from Mind Full to Mindful. My head was crammed tight with things that always seemed to take precedent over taking quiet time. I had to do something before my head popped.
Adopting a simple life relieved the stress. Slowing down was "fast acting relief" as the comedian Lily Tomlin promised it would be. A less busy life allowed me a chance to empty my mind of clutter, strip life down to the essentials, and attain that mindful state more often.
Since I have slipped into a less complicated life I am more able to notice the bliss and the gift that is in each and every moment.
What is Mindfulness?
"Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience." - source
Moving Toward Mindfulness
- Meditate. Focus on the breath. 10 breaths to start.
- Slow down. Notice the subtleties of your experience here and now.
- Make things new. Try doing regular things in new ways. Take risks.
- If you get angry, observe your thoughts and feelings in a detached way. Watch the anger cool and slip away from your body and your mind.
- Accept the moment without judging it good or bad. Be aware of all the richness that your senses are perceiving.
Read more about mindfulness here.
"Do not dwell in the past, do not dream of the future, concentrate the mind on the present moment."
- Buddha
Just discovered your blog and I'm loving it! I have been reading the archives and so much of it speaks to me about the way I want to live my life.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Joan
Joan, welcome to the NBA blog - so nice to have you here! I am happy that the things we write about are resonating with you.
DeleteLiving simply has been an ongoing process that we have engaged in for over 20 years. The exciting part is that it is an enjoyable learning process that continues to improve with time.
We continue to lower our impact, break our reliance on a parasitic system, and enjoy life in new and more meaningful ways.
The best thing is that anyone can do it. You can do it, too.
Welcome, again, and thank you for the encouraging comment.