My mood shifted into a subtly more content one. I noticed the change. This act of noticing reminded me how important mindfulness is in daily life. I am so grateful that I took an 8 week class on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction. It has been one of the most important things I have done in my life that has continued to affect me positively on a daily basis.
I am also amazed at how I see information on mindfulness all around me now that I am looking for it, when I saw nothing before. For example, there is a great article that was published yesterday about mindfulness and its effects, including how it works in helping you make better decisions.
I imagine walking through the slot canyon pictured above and not being mindful. Yes, you could probably do it still, and mostly come out unscathed, with maybe a skinned knee or elbow, but why would you?
Why would you walk through this beautiful canyon, with water so cold it felt glacier fed, lapping at your ankles, and sun beams chasing beautiful oranges, browns, and reds out of the shadows into your view at every moment? Why would you choose to tune that out and be distracted by thoughts you were having about something else (work, relationship issues, finances, your car needing an oil change, etc.)
This hike, the pin pricks of icy water against my skin, the sound of the water gurgling through the canyon and then picking up into a rushing noise as we approached the waterfall, the beauty of the canyon walls, and the joy at the feeling of the sunshine as it washed over me and warmed my skin when I emerged from the canyon, I love remembering every bit of it.
Mindfulness is such a gift.
As Everyday Mindfulness (@mindfuleveryday) tweeted about recently,
"Mindfulness does not prevent you from thinking about the future or the past, but it allows you to do so on your own terms."
And, as I have found, it allows you to truly be present in what you are doing now.
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