step lightly
The web is filled with lists. They’re easy to read and quick to skim, so I’m adding a few here and there as they bubble up. I use that phrase alot, bubble up. My experience is that when we are in a Creative or Mindful state, we are more conscious. When the usual mental swirling and conditioned responses begin to let go, several things happen; stress reduces greatly and you may also find fresh ideas bubble up from inside. It’s an interesting process. Here are a few ways to get started:
1. Take a walk today. Try walking around your block with no particular destination in mind. Just walk, slowly, taking in the sights, sounds, sensations of heat or wind or rain. Just take it in. When your experience reminds your mind of something or someone, try to bring your awareness back to the present time experience of simply walking. Feel the cement beneath your feet, the hardness, and maybe the heat of it. If you walk slowly enough, you really have to concentrate on your balance. This becomes a whole body experience of being present.
2. Listen more today. Consciously allow the other person to talk, and rather than replying or fixing or arguing, try being present to the person and the things she is saying. You can try saying supportive things like, “I see”, or “uh huh”, “I understand.” You might not feel those things, but try to suspend judgment while you are in your moment of personal silence. Try to actively listen, without spending time thinking of a response. Depending on who you are talking to, you may receive comments that range from amazement to grateful thanks for the opportunity to be heard.
3. Turn off the entertainment systems today. Try turning off the TV, the computer, the cell phone, the ipod, the radio, the dvd, the cd’s. If this seems completely undoable, try turning everything off for a short period, like an hour. If you are awake for 12-20 hours today, an hour without electronics will be just a short period in a long day. What does Quiet sound like to you?
4. This goes with 3 above: With the electronics out of the way try simply being present to yourself. This doesn’t mean sitting in deep thought, it means allowing the mind to rest a bit. The best way to start is to become aware that you are breathing. And when the mind wanders, (this is guaranteed to happen), try bringing your attention back to your breathing. Can you watch your breathing? Can you be aware of the rise and fall of the abdomen, of the relative tension or softness that you hold there. Try to find curiosity about the experience of breathing in and out, the sensations in the abdomen, the chest, the sensation of air touching the tip of your nose as you inhale and exhale.
Try this at first for 10 minutes. In the silence.
5. If you are working on your relationship with food, try keeping a food diary today. Write down everything you eat. It’s a good way to begin to be mindful when it comes to eating. Most of us eat in front of the tv, or while reading or in front of the computer, or my favorite standing at the sink. What is consumed during the day is often so much more than we might think.
Utilizing a whole brain/whole body approach to living life: in a world that relies on left brain thinking, Mindfulness and Creativity are right brain functions that literally increase neuronal pathways, while enhancing a sense of inner wholeness. Navigating your busy day becomes an entirely different exercise. mindful life/mindful work coaching can help you get from where you are to where you want to be.
