Mindfulness Revisited

Come into the present moment.

Insert a pause in the behavioral cascade.

Fully present without judgment or interpretation.

“All these define mindfulness”, I said, during my whole health workshop at our Flourish Weekend Retreat.

We chose ONE area in our lives to practice mindfulness and as I returned home, I felt more connected to myself, calm and anchored.

I want to share my blog written in 2015 that revisits mindfulness.

Wherever You Are, Be All There

I don’t remember who said this or where I read it, but I will not forget it! I have become keenly aware of the challenge to focus ONLY on what is in front of me at the moment and guard my mind from wandering off to other thoughts, lists, tasks, problems. I am not always successful and feel the disappointment or “pull back” from people when I am not mindful of the situation or relationship. I have also felt hurt and disappointment when I am sharing an experience or a heart matter and a friend is staring up at a TV behind me or looking at their phone, or answers with something unrelated to what I said.

Recently, I have decided to slow down my pace a bit and savor the moments of work, rest, school and relationships. I found myself taking “big bites” out of life and trying to swallow them as fast as possible because I had a lot to digest. I was getting it all done, but then couldn't recall all the details I needed or put into practice the skills I learned, and I was very tired. I am slowing down and choosing to take “smaller bites” out of life, noticing what I am “eating”. I breakdown my responsibilities and tasks.

Consequently, I am able to use my knowledge more effectively, enjoy the process and surprisingly, have more energy. That is a bonus! I tell myself I will not get this moment back and live it to the

If I can do that, then I can sustain full eye and heart contact as my child, friend, or client share their heart about a challenge. I can keep in touch with my intuition and access skills to help support others in the way best suited for them.

I realize how rare this tool is being used in our fast paced society. It is a simple tool, but a very powerful one. So today, where I am, I will be all there.

This is the day the Lord has made, we will rejoice and be glad in it.

Psalm 118:24