Mindfulness

         The possibility of being mindful in every moment is presented to us second by second.  Our level of awareness along with our openness to learning about ourselves and our role in the world determines what we let in.  It’s like seeing something for the first time, even though you’ve seen it a 1,000 times.  It just suddenly strikes you differently.  How differently is up to you.  The difference will be reflected in your thoughts, words and actions. 

         The dictionary describes the word mindful as an adjective: “attentive, aware or careful.”  It describes the word mindfulness as a noun: “the state of being mindful.”  This distinction is so important as it closes the gap between what is possible when we become aware of food for two, being enough food for ten.  Mindfulness creates an opportunity for truly seeing and understanding the connections – between ourselves, others and the world we live in.  Suddenly a trip to Lithuania influences an evening meal in Great Britain, which settles in at dinner for three in the United States and opens up new possibilities for our planet.

         One way to enhance your ability to be present in the moment is to practice being aware.  Pick a place in your body that is impacted by breathing (directly, as in the nasal passage; or indirectly, such as the muscles of the stomach) and bring total attention to that single place for just two minutes.  Reflect on what you noticed about your breathing.  Now pick something you do every day (brushing your teeth, cooking dinner, getting the mail) and open yourself to experience it newly – as if for the very first time.

         Perhaps the most exciting thing I know about President Obama is that his children did chores in the White House.