Week 11- Mindfulness
We are nearing the end. Hopefully this week is an easy topic for you, but it can be challenging for some.
Mindfulness. This has kind of become a buzzword, but for a good reason. Many of us go through our day without giving much thought to our actions or choices. We’re on a hamster wheel, and we keep getting what we’ve always gotten. Sometimes it feels like we have to live this way just to keep up. But we have to remind ourselves that we are in control. We make the choices that affect our lives. We have to be the ones that say, “I’m going to slow down and take this minute for me.”
Just yesterday I was golfing with my husband (he golfed, I rode in the cart). I took a second to lay across the seat and close my eyes. I felt the gentle breeze brush across my face and blow my hair. I heard the beautiful songs the birds were singing. I smelled fresh cut grass and spring flowers. And I didn’t think about posting any part of the experience on Facebook so I could wait to see how many people would like it.
Our minds need breaks from constant stimulation and from over-consumption of everything our world throws at us in the span of a day.
If we are intentional and mindful, I think we will find a lot more peace in our own little worlds. If you want or need help with this practice, check out these videos from the University of Missouri System.
Question: What is your biggest stressor right now? Are you taking time to take care of yourself, or are you giving too much of yourself to others or other things and you are suffering as a result?
This week I want you to practice mindfulness while you eat. Take time to consider what it took to get that food from the field to your kitchen. Really evaluate the taste and the texture. And listen for those cues from your stomach that you are full. Do all of this without scrolling through your phone or computer, or watching TV, or answering e-mails. Take a moment to be present with your food. You can even give thanks for your food, whatever that might mean to you.
A few weeks ago, we talked about food and mood. Being present and mindful can positively affect our relationship with our food. Furthermore, being present and mindful can positively impact our relationships. It can help every spoke in our wheel of wellness.
Challenge: Find a way to decompress in a healthy way. Try a sound machine, meditate, or read for 15 minutes. Try this three times this week. Write down what you did and how you felt before and after.
If you are interested in learning more about mindfulness, Lynn Rossy used to work for MU Extension. She now owns a mindfulness-based business. Further Reading: Tasting Mindfulness- The Effort of Mindful Living