Lately I've been thinking a lot about the concept of mindfulness, the idea of living with my mind in everything I do. This is so counter to our culture.--we are so automated, so easily distracted, so disposable. Some days I just feel like a drone. But I'm trying hard to focus on living with my mind fully "in" the life I live, the choices I make, the people around me.
What mindfulness means for me:
1.) Considering how my actions (or inaction), priorities, choices, words (or silence), and reactions affect myself and others
2.) Being aware of the resources I use--where they come from, where they are going
3.) Fully appreciating the beauty around me--in places, in people, in things
4.) Beiung fully "in" the conversations I'm part of. I have a tendency to be distracted.
5.) Anticipating others' needs--knowing how to make them feel loved, finding practical ways to help, offering help without being asked
6.) Taking the initiative
7.) Reducing waste--not just material waste; but time, opportunity, interactions wasted mindlessly
8.) Being aware of my body and spirit--the food I eat and how it makes me feel, the stress I impose on myself and the toll it takes on me, the processes my body does involuntarily that keep me alive, the need to connect with a greater power than myself.
9.) Acknowledging the things others do for me in the way of gifts, service, encouragement, patience, loyalty, listening
10.) Prioritizing having a job that I feel is worth putting my mind to--one that I enjoy and that is fulfilling and helpful to others
I believe that mindfulness inevitably leads to thankfulness for all the moving parts that make life truly beautiful. I then begin to understand my part in making the world a more whole, beautiful place for others. I'd love to hear how you practice mindfulness in your life...
