 “If you are aware of what is happening, you are doing it right. It is common for people to wonder whether they are doing it right.” Jon Kabat-Zinn
I spent much of my life as a perfectionist, always wanting to do it right, so I resonate with that quote. I know as I work with many people in my meditation classes, and they want to know if they are doing it right as well. The answer is always awareness. Most of us rush through our day, checking things off our To Do list and are not aware. We hurry from one activity to the next and we are not fully present in anything we do. At the end of the day, we fall into bed exhausted and we have missed the precious moments in our lives. The key is to be aware of what is happening, to be conscious in your busy life. Be aware, when you are:
These are just a few of the mundane everyday tasks that many of us drift through unconsciously. But, if you want to work on being more mindful, just start being aware. I am making dinner, I am washing the dishes, I am driving, or be aware of whatever you are doing in each moment. I am not living in the present moment every minute of the day, but with each day I find that I am more and more mindful and aware of what is happening. How often are you living in the present moment and aware of what is happening? Think of a few tasks that you do daily that you could practice being aware of what is happening.
1 Comment
Mary Ann Brewer
1/26/2016 07:24:22 am
I am not a really messy, sloppy person, but I am not super neat and tidy, either. However, there is one time in my day, every day, that I am mindful. It is when I make my bed. I like to have my bed made first thing in the morning and I rarely miss doing this. When I am making the bed, I am conscious of each piece: bottom sheet, top sheet- pulled tight and even. Blankets and bedspread are even all around. I fluff the pillows and lay them carefully in their proper place. When I see my bed throughout the day, I feel a sense of satisfaction, perhaps even some peace, some evidence of order in a busy, sometimes chaotic day. In rare times when I haven't made my bed and I see it during the day in disarray, I get an unsettled feeling. The mindfulness of bed making is a small thing but well-worth implementing into other parts of my day. What will I focus mindfulness on today? Leave a Reply. |
Author
Peggy Steffens is an artist and Chopra Certified Meditation Instructor My goal is to build a community with like-minded individuals who want to grow, share and learn from one another. Please post comments to enrich the experience for all.
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