Yes, I'm late to the game when it comes to mindfulness. Way back when the word was fashionable and the focus of much attention and effort, I resisted the call. I resisted because too often throughout my life people scolded me for thinking too much. "Stop thinking and go out and play," loved ones would command. I didn't like that.
So when mindfulness became a suggestion by authorities in multiple walks of life, I resisted with the idea that they were just trying to stop people from new ideas and more thinking. Of course, that wasn't the case, and the prompt to be more mindful in life was and still is a positive direction. So finally, long after the word became a focus, I'm ready to embrace the mantra to be mindful.
I'm beginning my quest with the definition of mindfulness:
As an individual who has mostly been in a rush in life, mindfulness begins with slowing down and taking my time. I was always in a rush because for most of life, my schedule has been jam packed with people, activities, and responsibility leaving little time to simply take life at a more meaningful pace. Fortunately, right now, I have the luxury and gift of time so I can slow down.
As I slow down, I want to be mindful of my values and dreams. What do I value? What kind of life do I dream of?
And then, I want to pay attention to the mostly obvious path to attaining the dreams I hold for a happy, loving, caring, good life. At this point that life demands a healthy routine, a simple home, loving relationships, good work at home and in the community, generosity, and some fun too.
The healthy routine is not surprising, but for me, requires mindfulness--mindfulness about healthy activity, nutritious food, and rest. A simple home is the result of continued attention towards "less things, more time" and having a collection of "things" that do improve life, not take away from a good life. Loving relationships requires being attentive to the good people in my life and making quality, caring, respectful time to share in life's journey with them. Good work demands that I do what's needed to keep my home, relationships, health, and contribution valuable and positive. Generosity requires that I am aware of where the needs are that I can contribute to in positive, helpful ways, and adding some fun is never a challenge for me since I love to have a healthy, good time in beautiful, natural settings with the people I love.
So, the big challenge here is slowing down to live a more purposeful, intentional, value-driven, loving life. I will do that. Onward.
