photo by GoodShot

How many of you have a list of things in your head right now that need to get done?  Mid-morning meeting. Check.  Quick lunch at desk. Check.  4pm pilates class. Check.  Pick up kids. Check.  Grocery shop. Check.  Our days (and minds) are full of countless check marks.  With all the items on our to-do list, how many of us really pay attention to the tasks we’re actually performing?  Can you even remember being at that work meeting?  Were you tasting the food you ate for lunch?  Were you listening to your kids when they told you about their day at school?  In today’s world, it is becoming increasingly difficult to be mindful and present to what we are doing.  Are you feeling overwhelmed or overworked? You may appreciate reading a great article by Leo Babauta, creater of the website Zen Habits, to offer you some tips. 

I think being mindful of the things on your to-do list, whatever they may be, will allow you to be more productive.  No task is too mundane to discount your full presence into it.  There are three meanings to the word present: here, now, and gift.  I don’t think it’s a coincidence.  Being in the here and now allows us to appreciate the gift of the moment.  

This week, let’s try to be mindful of our days.  Use ALL your senses.  Take in the light of the sun shining through your window, feel the soft fur of your puppy against your skin, listen to the sound of a train in the distance, smell the aroma of flowers on your walk outside, taste the savory flavors in the meal you’ve cooked for dinner.  Note to self:  remember that using our senses and being present brings color into our day-to-day lives.  Check.   ***Stay tuned for more discussion on how to be present.

Deepali’s piece of wellness:  Take one full minute each hour of your day to reconnect with your breath, your self, and your surroundings.