We are all very busy and have very little time – correct? You probably don’t have time to read this blog post! When I ask most of my friends how they’re doing the first thing they reply with is ‘I’m busy but getting on with it’.
Getting on with it is fine but the problem is that if we keep our foot on the accelerator, in an effort to achieve everything our minds tell us we should achieve, our life just goes by in a blur and we miss the out on all the little things. These are not just little things though, they are our life!
There are certain number of things we have to do each day in order to function in the world so I am not saying stop and ignore your responsibities. But we can choose what we do today and what we leave for tomorrow. Our days don’t need to be crammed from morning til night and when the doing needs doing we can bring mindful awareness to it – in this way our ‘doing’ comes out of ‘being’.
Here are 5 simple tips you can use for a mindful day:
1 -when you wake up take a few mindful breaths – watch those “I need to jump out of bed and get on with it” thoughts. If you’re tired give yourself a little more time to wake up if you have time.
2- write down the things you would like to achieve today then put a mark next to the ones that can wait for another day. ‘Relax this evening’ is a valid thing to put on the list – sometimes we need to give ourselves the green light.
3- Bring mindful attention to one activity a day that you find a chore. For example, washing the dishes – notice you feet on the floor as you wash up, the sound of the water, notice how hands work to clean the dishes, notice any negative thoughts about washing up and your urge to rush to get it done. Maybe slow down the process a bit. How does this change your experience?
4 – watch your speed – set 3 reminders a day maybe on your phone or computer so you can stop and notice what’s happening in your mind and body – be aware of any habitual mind patterns. Just spend a minute focusing on whatever is there. Then ask yourself ‘what do I need right now?’ This might be a cup of tea, quick walk, chocolate biscuit, stretch etc.
5- Do nothing for two minutes : ) – http://donothingfor2minutes.com/
“Half an hour’s mediation each day is essential, except when you are busy. Then a full hour is needed.” St Francis de Sales
1567-1622
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