So our month of Mindfulness is nearly over with just two days to go. Today it’s about noticing the joy in the simple things of life.
That could be:
The smell of fresh coffee
The smile of a loved one
how the sun glints off the windows
how your body feels in a warm bath
jumping in a puddle like a kid
The sharp taste of a freshly cut lemon
It can be absolutely anything you want at all, just be really aware of the joy you feel. The experience and how that feels in your body and relish in it. There are so many beautiful joyous things that we can open our hearts and eyes to given the chance to truly think and see. So try it and see what you could find joy in today.
Our bodies are truly amazing. All the things that happen without us even thinking about it. The lungs that breathe, the heart that beats the cell growing and dying each day. So a simple task today is to just appreciate your hands. Really think about all the things they enable you to do. Feel that gratitude spread through you throughout the day. The way you can brush your teeth, or turn a key in a lock. There is so much you can appreciate about your hands today.
Maybe even write down all these things and marvel at your own handwriting. Whatever you do, just take some time to appreciate them.
Just a few days to go! So today, the goal is to just take a little time out. We become hypnotized by our daily routines sometimes. getting up at the same time, eating the same breakfast, taking the same route to work and just generally zoning out when we are doing things throughout the day. Today, the goal is to stop work earlier than usual and take the time to be still. Now before you moan that you ‘can’t’, especially if you work for someone else, I’m here to tell you that you can. Even if you stop just a couple of minutes before 5pm you can stop. The point isnt how early you stop, rather than you stop and be still. Even if its just a couple of minutes away from your desk where you can sit in stillness, then do that.
However you need to get away, do it, and just spend that time focused on you.
We are so close to the end of the month and I bet this has already had a significant impact on you. Assuming you’ve been following of course.
Today is a little different. It focuses on something we do without thinking… walking. We take the ability to walk for granted. And as someone who has been paralyzed and been unable to walk for weeks, I know all too well how much I took my health for granted.
So today, all you need to do is a little exercise in awareness. Simply notice the sound of each step you take and how each step feels. Simple
One of the easiest ways to distract our minds from the noise and clutter around us is to take our minds to our bodies.
By focusing our attention on our bodies we give our reptilian brain something to focus on other than the worry of the day or any issues that may be preoccupying you for even just a moment.
You can do this, either sitting or lying down. Just take 5 minutes away from whatever you are doing and go somewhere quiet.
Close your eyes and take 3 deep breaths in and out.
Then work from the top of your head down to the tips of your feet. And slowly work down your body, and notice any tenseness or feelings that come up. As you notice any tenseness or feelings just breathe into them deeply and move onto the next body part.
This is so simple but so effective in helping you connect with yourself. Try it!
Mindful March – Day 24 – Mentally scan your body & notice your feelings
