Mindfulness

Sunday February 9, 2020

Happy Sunday!  I hope you are all doing well and enjoying a fantastic week.  I am still reeling from the amazing day last Sunday!  I enjoyed a fabulous training run with my girlfriend to begin the day.  We watched the Super Bowl game, commercials and half time show.  All were fun and entertaining.  It was a wonderful day. 

Sadness still lingers in my heart from the tragic events over the last several weeks.  So many deaths and heartache.  What hurts the most are the line of duty deaths and suicides of our military, law enforcement and first responders that garner little attention.   There is much to process, but I am still here living.  I move forward mindfully into each new day.  I am thankful to be here, sharing life and wonderful times with the people I love.  I begin each new day with gratitude and respect, knowing that life is perishable.  It is a true gift not to be wasted or tarnished with anger or hate.  Love and kindness should be our focus.

Valentine’s Day is rapidly approaching.  It will be upon us this coming Friday.  How do you feel about celebrating the day?  You may or may not be a fan of this heartfelt occasion.  It is not at the top of my list when it comes to holidays.  It’s not at the bottom of my list either.  Whether it possesses social significance for you or not, it still retains importance in relationships and love.  The commercial aspect always tears into the heart, soul and importance of each of our holidays.  It is not about the candy, gifts or dinners out.  It’s a day to cherish and celebrate those we love.  In the past, society seemed to make it all about couples.  I believe it is more about honoring the people we care about most in our life.  I enjoy bringing some happiness and joy into the day.  It is a time to show love and gratitude to those special people.  I do relish sending cards, giving flowers or just spending quality time with the people who are important in my life.  Sharing those moments or letting someone know they are special and in our thoughts is an uplifting experience.       

I suggest taking the time to show those important people they matter and are loved; whether it is your partner, kids, parents, siblings or friends.  It is an amazing feeling making someone smile, especially when there is love at the foundation of your sentiment.  Whatever I can do to bring joy, makes me happier too.  It is quite amazing what sharing some love and affection can do to ignite others, as well as yourself.  I will definitely be sharing my love with my girlfriend, daughter, sister, family and a few others on this day.  Whether they live in the same house, around the corner or across the country, it is so easy to reach out and bring a smile to their face.  I hope you take some time to do the same with those closest to you.     

The end of this week also means the month of February will reach the halfway mark.  Does it feel like the year is off to a flying start?  It sure seems like the days are ticking away quickly.  I have plans for some travel in the coming months and later this year.  I am excited for each event and am trying my best not to wish it here too quickly.  I would love to slow the pace down a little.  What I need is more mindfulness added to each day to accomplish just that.  I want to be here in the present and enjoy each minute of each day.  I realize time will flow at its own pace, but the more I can do to savor each moment the better it will be.  

Mindfulness is about calming the mind and body.  I focus my attention on being in the present.  I live and enjoy each and every moment.  When I achieve this, I become more aware of my mind, thoughts, feelings, body and sensations with each experience.  Morning meditation is one way I can begin my day being more mindful.  I clear my thoughts, then focus my attention on the positive aspects of life.   I think about what I want to accomplish for the day.  If other things arise during that time, I can adjust accordingly.  I follow my path with an open mind and heart.  I do not allow anger or negativity to alter my course.  I immediately shut down false stories my mind tries to make up.  Is this always easy?  For me it has been a long journey and has involved work on myself.  It does take conscious effort at times, but as I become more mindful and present the easier my life flows.  It is amazing how your own positive and loving energy can influence your contacts and life with others.       

Take the time to slow down from the busy world.  I know we all so have much happening in our lives.  Life can seem hectic from relationships, career, kids, family and so much more.  Just dealing with traffic and crowds can be a stress filled chore.  If we can alter that pace to release stress and anxiety, it makes a positive impact on our mental and physical health.  Anytime we can reduce stress and anxiety, it is a winning situation.  Try to set aside some time to be outside.  Maybe you get out early in the morning, during your lunch break or in the evening.  I say just get outside and enjoy some nature.  Take 15 or 20 minutes to relax, close your eyes and just breathe.  Consciously focus on slow, long and steady inhales and exhales.  Slow deep breathing in and out of your nose will help in calming your mind and body.  Breathing through the nose has significant health benefits.  The nose filters, warms and helps purify the air.  It provides our sense of smell and can improve our resistance to disease.  This healthy boost will re-energize you.  The more you can relax physically and mentally, the better you will feel.

Mindfulness includes self-care.  This means treat yourself well and with love.  I talked about self-care a bit last Sunday.  It really is quite magical and wonderful.  Life can be rushing by at a frantic pace.  We attempt to maintain that speed so we don’t fall behind.  In actuality we should be setting our own pace and our own rules.  Who said we need to rush to do anything?  I have found that often times I have been the one placing undo stress on myself to get things done.  Many times I have tried to do or pack too much into one hour or one day.  Why do we place that burden upon ourselves?  Are we just trying to keep up?  Is this really living or what life is all about?  I don’t think so.  Slowing down is the key.  Take time to enjoy what you are passing by.  Take the time to enjoy your family, friends and activities you love.             

Be guided by your spirit and not by your ego.  Take the best part of you and share it with others.  Mindfulness and ego ensure our security and survival.  Unfortunately, some people allow their ego to falter, making everything about themselves.  When you consider the enormity of the universe, we truly are insignificant specks.  My suggestion is to live life with some humility and kindness.  Let us lift each other, while lifting ourselves. 

Please tune in and join me again next Sunday for more!  The healthy life puzzle is always in rotation.  Let’s be healthy and strong mentally, physically and spiritually!

Thanks for your love and support!  Embrace Life!  Be sure to get outside and enjoy nature!