Mindfulness

In my efforts to focus more on today, I've been studying a bit about mindful meditation.  So far, I have to say, I'm loving the difference it's making.  It's more about appreciation and awareness for me. 

Some basic principles of mindful meditation are that you try to put aside all thoughts of the past and future, and stay in the present... not just the "today" present, but that exact moment.  (It's not as easy as it sounds...)  Become aware of your breathing (thanks yoga - I can do that!), and focus on each thought that comes and goes - all worries, fears, anxiety, hope, joy, all of it.  Don't ignore it, don't suppress it, but be aware of it.  If you find any one particular thought taking over, just observe where it takes you, without judging the thought, and return your focus to your breathing. 


As ridiculous as it sounds, I found an app for my phone that plays a very pleasant sounding "mindfulness bell" randomly throughout the day.  It's a simple reminder to take note of where I am, what I'm thinking or doing, and appreciate it.    This weekend, it has reminded me to enjoy Mac's laughter, a wonderful conversation by text with a friend, a favorite song, and the quiet time of a few sun salutations.  At one point, the bell rang when I was feeling a bit stressed about Mac's ultra-picky eating, and the bell was a wonderful reminder to enjoy the fact that I was there with her, was really just concerned for her nutrition, and with perfect timing, she asked for a hug...

It's amazing how many little moments go by during the day, and unless we put a bit of focus around recognizing them, they slip by unnoticed and unappreciated.

Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience.
It isn't more complicated that that.
It is opening to or recieving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is,
without either clinging to it or rejecting it.
-- Sylvia Boorstein