Practice MINDFULNESS
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by Mary Bigler How
were your holidays?
How
were you BE-ing?
Did
you even pause long enough to notice or were you stuck
in auto-pilot overdrive?
Are
you like many of my clients and a growing number of
individuals ready to release feeling stalled, stale
and missing out on 'something more'?
Are
you ready to minimize the 'have-to-do' lists, grow your
'want-to-do' activities and live a more inspired lifestyle?
I
am fortunate to hit the 'pause button' each holiday
season and spend time with my family in Green
Bay.
I
no longer engage in the frenzied shopping rituals of
years past and I fully enjoy time with my family and football
by slowing down and paying attention to present
moments as they unfold.
I
realize it's not just vacation and time off
work that is so much fun, but the fact that I am aware/awake,
with senses fully engaged, during all the
activities I choose to participate in.
The
fun becomes even more fun!
You
may not have the luxury of time-out during this hectic
season but you CAN employ a simple practice called Mindfulness
to enjoy the few moments of calm before the next demand
begs for your attention.
Mindfulness
is about paying attention and being aware of the present
moments, just as they are.
It's
the opposite of mindless-ness where we get trapped in
a steady stream of thoughts regretting the past or hoping
for a better future.
The
wisdom of many cultures teaches us that mindfulness
is a powerful means to experience more of life's magaic,
richness and joy.
Harmonic
living.
Without
attention to present moments, it's easy to sail along
on auto-pilot as days fly by and you 'wake up' one day
wondering how in the world you ended up 'HERE'- disconnected,
unfulfilled, uninspired or just not having much fun.
Time
flies whether you are enjoying life or not.
Don't
you deserve to tip the scale in favor of
more enjoyment moments?
So,
where can you hit your pause butten each day, engage
all your senses and experience more moments of
joy, appreciation or peace?
i.e.
Getting ready for work, notice your varied routines-
apprecate your unique features while applying make-up;
be attentive to which clothing you select for the
day and why and the feel of the fabric against your
skin.
Drive
your regular (or choose new ones) routes and
notice what's new and appealing.
At
the office, play the observer and note your energy ebbs
and flows, how you are Be-ing in varied moments during
the day.
At
mealtime, savor the conversation, the aroma and flavors
of your food.
Working
in your yard this spring, expand your attention to embrace
the sounds, smells, colors, critters.
Playing
with your kids or pets, tune in to their and your delight
and spontaneity.
Note:
It might be helpful to decide more specifically what
you want to pay attention to in various segments throughout
your day rather than trying to attend to 'everything'.
Practice
Be-ing present and savor whatever richness the moments
offer, especially those that bring you joy, peace or
inspiration before dashing off to what's next.
Mary Bigler is a Life Coach specializing in the universal principles of Attraction. She is an experienced workshop and teleclass leader for those journeying along a path of self-discovery and personal expansion. Mary loves to see people tap into their ability to live life fully engaged, vibrant and full of all they dream about Being/Doing/Having. She most enjoys helping people become deliberate creators of their life experiences. |