Mindfulness – Peaceful Moments in A Busy World

Here I am — a Reiki Teacher and Practitioner — you would imagine that my life is very tranquil, organized and filled with much meditation and peacefulness.  However, the reality is that I live on super-busy Long Island, NY and my life has become exceedingly full.  Think of that saying “too much on my plate.” Because that is how it sometimes feels.

Some acquaintances and very extended family think that because I do not work at a corporate, full-time job, that I am the equivalent of being “retired.”  Nothing could be far from the truth of the busy-ness of my days. And I still need to earn a living.

In a practical sense, the challenge is prioritizing and time management.  In a spiritual and nurturing sense, the challenge is carving consistent, peaceful moments to take a break from the hectic flow of “constant doing.”

Mindfulness. Meditation. These are two significant concepts and practices that are extremely helpful for keeping that sense of peacefulness within, despite what is happening in the outer world.  It keeps my inner world more balanced and joyful.

Easing yourself into even five to 15 minutes of quietude and solitude can be incredibly rejuvenating! So don’t underestimate the power of taking ten minutes to tune out the distractions of the outer world and turn your attention to creating calmness within.

In fact, taking some time for this is vital to your well-being.

A nature break is always soothing — observing a serene view, feeling the wind against your skin, watching the soaring of a bird, or anything that captures your attention and your vision.

There is a new theory of well-being and aligning with nature — it is called grounding. Which refers to literally placing your bare feet on the ground — soft grass, soil, sand — so you can directly connect with Mother Earth. Obviously this is something to do in the good weather. I have been indulging in walking and sitting barefoot in the newly sprouted lush green grass in my yard. And it has been exquisitely satisfying to just dig and roll my toes in the grass and feel rooted to Mother Earth. And very invigorating!

Here is a relevant quote from the Great Indian Chief “Standing Bear” (an Oglala, Lakota Sioux Chief — one of the indigenous people of the Great Plains.)
”It was good for the skin to touch the earth, and the old people liked to remove their moccasins and walk with bare feet on the sacred earth… the old Indian still sits upon the earth instead of propping himself up and away from its life giving forces. For him, to sit or lie upon the ground is to be able to think more deeply and to feel more keenly. He can see more clearly into the mysteries of life and come closer in kinship to other lives about him.”

So see if you can simply walk barefoot upon the Earth and tune in to the energetic vibration of our planet in a stable, centering way. And really be in the moment of what that feels like to you — I believe it will be very soothing and revitalizing.  Maybe it will help you “think more deeply and to feel more keenly.”

If it is not always possible to be with nature, you can always tune into some slow, deep breathing wherever you are.  These kind of intentional breaths bring our mind into the present, forcing us to connect with our own inner rhythm in a positive, calming way.

Or just practice being present in whatever task you are doing

When the pace of life feels frenzied, you can be mindful in the present moment while cooking, washing dishes, brushing your teeth or doing simple tasks. That means focusing on that task completely, not letting your mind wander back to the past or into the future — or anywhere else but where you are at that moment.

Ultimately life does not always go the exact way you want it to, but the essential joy is to find the glory in each moment. If you search with a believing, trusting heart, you will find the blessings all around you.  Teach yourself to tap in to each moment with your focused attention. And you will feel the better for it.

Affirmations:

• I strive to practice mindfulness consistently, tuning in to each moment with pure and nonjudgmental attention.
• I enjoy connecting with nature, tapping in to the radiant, grounding rhythms of Mother Earth.
• Spending moments in stillness and quietude are so rejuvenating and healing for me.