“Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experience.” Jon Kabart-Zinn
Over the years I have done a lot of driving to arrive at my place of work, spend time with family and friends or see the breathtaking United States. Often during those drives, I find myself deep in thought and suddenly wondering, “How did I get here?” This is the opposite of the mindfulness we are called to today as we strengthen our mental wellbeing. Mindfulness requires that we are present in the moment noticing the sensations our bodies are feeling, the thoughts moving through our mind and the temperature of our spirit. We miss so much when we are caught up in future planning and ruminations about the past. The present is here for us to experience, to relate to and respond to.
One way to do this is to ground ourselves in the moment by noticing…
5 things we see
4 things we feel
3 things we hear
2 things we can touch
1 thing we can taste
I have used this exercise many times in my online teaching of educators. I don’t know if anyone else has benefited from this exercise, but I know I have. I have seen in a new way the many pictures of significant people in my life that surround me in my work space, words of inspiration from former and current mentors and my much-loved golden doodle puppy, Boji, who keeps me company under my feet. When I am mindful of my surroundings—what I see, feel, hear, touch and taste, I feel God’s love shared with me in my memories and the ongoing presence and support of my family and close friends along with the blessing of my current work.
Today I recommit to “being” mindful rather than always “doing” at transition times during my day and expanding my mindfulness of the goodness of God in my life beyond my training sessions. Join me in this journey by adding moments of mindfulness into your day and especially into your prayers.
- Pamela Black
10 for 10 Daily Inspiration | Day 7: Mindfulness
