I’ve wanted my own online site for many years now, and I kept asking myself, “What service shall I offer?” I’ve practiced meditation for years and the word mindfulness came up during a brainstorming session. I have to admit, the word mindful threw me for a bit of a loop.

My first thought was: Mind + Full equals a busy mind that’s full of chatter and needs a good clean out, LOL!

I searched online and didn’t really find my answer. It wasn’t until I quieted my mind that the answer came to me. And my answer was confirmed by Wikipedia! 😉

Mindfulness is all about being in the present moment. It’s simply allowing your thoughts to move through you without judging them. Thoughts are just thoughts. Pay attention to what’s happening now and practice being non-judgmental.

A mentor of mine often says; “Practice when it doesn’t count.”

For example:

Try playing with mindfulness while performing mundane tasks such as washing dishes, folding laundry or weeding the garden. Really focus on what’s in front of you and what you’re doing.

And try not to focus on other things, like your grocery list, for example. That might encourage thoughts like, “Oh boy, I’d really like to buy some lobster, but I know I can’t afford it.” That could toss you right into the future and put your mind in a worried state and create thoughts like, “How am I going to pay my bills this month?”

While having your next meal, try being fully present. Turn off the TV and look at the food on your plate. Notice the colors, textures and aromas. Take a bite and slowly chew your food. How does it taste, what flavors do you notice? Try being mindful and savor the moment. Your stomach will thank you!

Has this ever happened to you?

You’re having a conversation with someone and they’re clearly distracted. You notice that they’re busy looking at everything that’s moving around in the background. Perhaps they’re listening to someone else’s conversation. Or even worse, they’ve clearly ignored you and have jumped into another conversation!

Oh yeah… that happens. How does that make you feel? Not very good, right?

The next time you’re having a conversation with someone, practice being in present time. Focus on them, not what’s going on around you. Use eye contact and listen to what they’re saying. Being interested in them allows them to be interesting. Give someone else the gift of present time.

I have a friend from high school, who I don’t see very often, and when we get together, we’re in present time. It’s usually while we’re having lunch that we take turns updating each other. We’re fully present and not distracted by what’s going on around us. I love the reciprocity I have with my friend.

Take a moment and ask yourself if you’re in present time. Are you consciously aware of what you’re doing in your day-to-day life? Or are you rushing from one task to the next not being mindful of what you’re doing?

Please comment and let me know what you’ve done in a mindful way today.