Sometimes, my thoughts are filled with storms… worries and anxieties that may or may not come to pass… ruminations of past events that I wish had gone differently… and I wonder if it will ever feel quite right again. But I have now learned to intentionally stop these thoughts in their tracks. I tell myself to stop…just stop thinking completely… be still for a moment… and in place of the thinking, open up my senses and notice the world around me. I mean really notice the myriad of tiny details that we completely overlook most of the time. I find this is most easily done outside, but it could be done anywhere.
I look at the leaves on my rose bush outside my front window… the tiny veins, weaving intricate patterns across the surface, the serrated edges, and way the sun shines through the leaf at just the right angle so that it is nearly transparent. I notice the pattern of the spider’s web nearby. Each tiny strand, delicately woven together to form a unique design that is different from any other … I notice the bee buzzing nearby, bouncing from one flower to the next… I listen to the sounds around me, the soft sound of the wind in the leaves, the call of the bird nearby… I focus on how the sun feels on my face when I close my eyes…
When it’s raining, I watch the way the droplets slowly form on my window, gradually growing fatter until they run down the pane and disappear. I focus on the sound of the drops as they patter against the window and fall into the puddles, leaving tiny ripples in the water below. I watch the clouds and notice the smell of damp earth.
And as I do this, I breathe… very intentionally… very deeply. I breathe in the smells and sights and sounds around me and breathe out all the worry and fears that were milling about my thoughts. I visualize these thoughts leaving my body as the beauty around me cleanses me from the inside out.
By stopping and focusing mindfully on these tiny details, I am no longer focusing on the fears and worries in my mind. For that moment, I am in another world entirely, filled with gratitude and wonder at the beauty that surrounds me. And often, this is enough to chase away my ruminations and put me on a more positive path.
So what do you do when you can’t step outside into your garden to practice mindfulness? When you’re in the moment… in traffic, at work, listening to your children fuss by your side? … Remember, you can still breathe deeply… you can still visualize these things in your mind… you can still remember what the sun felt like on your face… By practicing mindfulness in the quiet moments, you can train your brain to recall these peaceful moments in times of stress. This takes time and practice. You are training your brain. But each time you do this, it becomes a little easier the next time.
Centre -By Krista Longeway Rolling thunder. Pounding rain. Relentless winds that toss me to and fro. I take a breath and retreat to a place of calm sheltered from the storms of life. I am here by the stream, with waters gently flowing past, trickling over rocks smooth and rounded by the gentle movement of water and time. In this place, there is no time. Only stillness, and the soft sound of the breeze rustling the leaves on the trees. Their whispering interrupted only by the cheerful call of birds hidden in the trees overhead. A single leaf falls from above, settling onto the water’s surface and lazily floats downstream, disappearing into the distance. I sit by the water’s edge on a large, smooth stone, and dip my fingers into the cool water. And the waters flow gently by. I take a breath and I am here, in peaceful solitude. All else disappears and I am left with only this place, this moment in time. A lasting image of stillness and calm.
This blog offers top-notch information on related topics. Keep up the great work.
Thank you so much! I hope my words are an inspiration and encouragement to those who read them.
Your enthusiasm is contagious. It’s difficult not to be thrilled about the topics you discuss.
Thank you for sharing your insights with the world. I truly enjoy visiting your blog.
Your blog consistently captivates me from start to finish. I simply stop reading before absorbing every word you write.
Your prose paints vivid images, allowing readers to immediately immerse themselves in your compelling descriptions.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us all. Your passion for your topics shines brightly.
I adore how your distinctive character radiates in your words. It feels like we’re having a insightful conversation.
Your blog has quickly become my preferred source for inspiration. Thank you for sharing your ideas.
Your prose paints vivid images, allowing readers to instantly immerse themselves in your compelling descriptions.
Your passion shines through every paragraph, serving as a inspiring reminder of the impact that authentic dedication can have.
Your writing seamlessly transport my imagination. I automatically picture every aspect you portray.
The author’s enthusiasm for this topic is admirable.
I’ve been searching answers to this issue, and your post solved it.
Thank you for providing precise and actionable steps for implementation.
This post is like a roadmap; it eliminates confusion and directs the reader efficiently.
This site motivates me to continue my own interests, appreciate it.
Thank you for providing precise and actionable steps for implementation.
I like your approach of writing. Your website is well-written and interesting.
I appreciate the succinct way you communicate information on your website. Keep up the outstanding work.
Your dedication and enthusiasm radiate in every section you write. Truly inspiring.
I could tell you’ve put in a lot of thought and effort, it shows.
This post hit the point on the spot; that’s exactly what I needed.
Your website provides a abundance of knowledge on related subjects. Thank you for sharing your knowledge with your readers.
This post extremely helpful, I have learnt so much from it.
I’m definitely going to share this write-up with my peers and followers.
Your expressions seamlessly transport my imagination. I automatically picture every aspect you illustrate.
I’m impressed by your natural ability to turn ordinary topics into riveting content. Keep it up!
I’m impressed by your skill to make even the most routine subjects captivating. Kudos to you!
Your writing style is captivating; it feels like having a talk with a buddy.
I enjoyed reading your article from start to finish. The author have maintained us interested. Thank you for posting your thoughts.
Your passion is infectious. It’s hard not to be thrilled about the topics you discuss.
This is an precious resource for anyone interested in this area.
Thank you for posting this valuable post. Your ideas are very insightful and the content is clearly crafted. Keep it up!
Your blog captivates me from start to finish. I can’t simply leave without absorbing your whole post.
Your words portray a radiant picture in my mind. I imagine every detail you describe.
I love the way you elaborate things; it’s concise.
Great insights in the article. We totally agree with the author. You have provided some valuable tips.
This site provides an abundance of valuable information on a variety of topics. Thanks for all that you do.
It’s great to see someone passionate about their subject.
Your writing captures the essence of the subject in a compelling way.
Your writing style is riveting; it feels like having a conversation.
Thanks for sharing your knowledge; I’ve learned a lot from your post.
This site provides a wealth of valuable information on a variety of subjects. Thanks for all that you do.
Appreciate you sharing this informative post. You did a fantastic job elaborating your ideas. Looking forward to more posts.
Your way of writing is absorbing; it feels like having a conversation.
This article got me thinking more deeply about the subject.
I admire the approach you present topics on your blog. Your writing style is engaging and informative.
Your words evoke lively imagery in my mind. I imagine every detail you depict.
Your writing resonates with me; it feels like you comprehend my difficulties.
I’m always amazed by the thoroughness of investigation that goes into your blog posts.
Your blog has quickly become my ultimate destination for motivation. Thank you for sharing your insights.
This is such a timely topic; I’m glad I came across your blog.
The article offers some great insights and practical tips on the topic. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us.
Thank you for providing your knowledge with us all. Your enthusiasm for your subjects shines brightly.
Reading your blog is always a joy; your writing captivates me every time.
Your devotion and enthusiasm radiate in every section you compose. Truly inspiring.