On Our Own Tracks

Robert’s Tips On Mindfulness…

Mindfulness

We are so caught up in wanting something new, wanting something more, wanting the latest thing, always replacing and updating. By doing so we are creating “traffic” in our hearts and minds – just like Sydney traffic we are clogging our hearts and minds with traffic!

What’s wrong with maintaining what you have now? Practicing taking care of what we already have, nurturing and improving it everyday?

There is nothing wrong with ambition, but shouldn’t we also be grateful? What’s wrong with things just as they are now, in this very moment?

Try a new routine – one that is grateful and mindful and kind ….

Wake up mindfully – When the alarm goes off, don’t rush out of bed, get up slowly and sit on the bedside a moment and ask yourself “what is my purpose today?” by this I do not mean “go to work, earn money, go home” – I mean what is your real purpose? Could it be:

• Noticing one beautiful thing today I have not noticed before. A flower, a tree, a person.
• Doing one kind thing for someone else. Letting somebody in in the traffic queue. Thanking someone for being a friend.
• Remembering to send a message or email to someone each day to tell them you care.

Eating mindfully – Don’t just rush through you daily meals. Take the time to enjoy the flavour and texture of the food you are eating. Be thankful to the animals, plants and farmers hat provided your nourishment. Eat just enough to satisfy your hunger, be mindful of the needs of your body.

Pause during the day – Three or four times (more if you want), hit the pause button, push away your phone, your tablet or laptop, reflect on how your day is progressing, your mood, and your intentions. Check in on your “traffic report”, are you in the moment or thinking about your next task, your next deadline, your shopping list? Try to check in on your mind and body right now “in this moment”, clear the traffic!

While you have paused, check in if you have been grateful, kind and noticed anything beautiful yet. Don’t beat yourself up if you haven’t just remind yourself gently of your purpose.

Work mindfully, play mindfully – engage in all your daily activities “right now”. Focus on the task at hand, be it work or play. Give your current activity 100% of your effort and concentration. Don’t get distracted but what has been or is yet to come. Be in the “moment”. Engage with other people the same way, be with them “now”, ignore your phone and other distractions try to be 100% with that person.

At the end of the day, end mindfully – sit on the side of your bed and thank yourself for sticking to your purpose, reflect on the kind, beautiful and good things that happened today. Be grateful for what you have and sleep well.