All time favorite song by Simon and Garfunkel tells us how to enjoy life and “feel groovy”. Slow down, you’re moving too fast…You gotta make the moment last!
One of Gandhi’s observations is in total agreement with this great advice: “There is more to life than increasing its speed.”
Last week we discussed how we can be impatient with others, (not meeting our expectations in a timely manner), with ourselves, (we fail to acquire what we deem we need), and even with God, seemingly God has not answered our prayers soon enough)
To ensure happiness and get the most out of life, we could begin by downshifting our lives, our thoughts, speech, actions, moving away from this frantic pace.
But how??? It begins with observation. Sit down at a mall and just watch people hurrying to get somewhere. Look at your calendar packing appointments back to back. Be observant, feeling your inclination to interrupt and get into the conversation.
With our awareness comes a call to action. One good way to slow down is to bring mindfulness to your activities.
The practice of mindfulness can be a learned skill. It starts by slowing down physically bringing awareness into the present moment. It requires breathing deeply in one place rather than shuttling into nonstop go-go-go mode.
To incorporate mindfulness into daily routines, identify at least 2 regular physical things you to, such as driving to work, brushing your teeth, or sitting down at your computer.
Now that you have identified the physical routines, its time to add moments of mindfulness. Be mentally alert, to the start of each activity.
Before each undertaking, focus your attention to the task at hand. Breathe deeply, and imagine what the task looks like both physically and mentally, bringing your total attention to what your are about to do.
Here’s how it works. I opt for two automatic absentminded actions to build mindfulness into my day: getting out of my car and answering the phone.
Getting out of the Car
My normal pattern: After parking the car, I grab my purse and other pertinent belongings from the passenger seat. Then, I dash from the car, rushing off to my destination.
My mindfulness pattern: I would check the passenger seat for my purse and such. But before I made a motion for the door handle, I stop. I sit still in my drivers seat to focus, taking three deep breaths. Slowing my activity, I recall just why I am going where I’m headed and what I want to accomplish. Then, I add a little affirmation, saying, “I know this will work out for the best.” I slowly leave the car and mindfully walk to my appointment.
Answering the Phone
My normal pattern: When the phone rings, I usually drop everything that I am doing (even ceasing to type in the middle of a word). I grab the phone, while my head is still back on my typing.
My mindfulness pattern: When the phone rings, I would slowly finish the typing of the word. Then, I take three deep breaths and smile. I pick up the phone anticipating a great conversation with the person calling.
With this attention to the present situation coupled with a focused positive energy, we can bring full awareness and positivity to each normally dull routine. With practice and repetition, we can train our minds to keep focused on the present and be less distracted by negative thoughts feeling groovy.
The present moment is filled with joy and happiness. If you are attentive, you will see it. —Thich Nhat Hanh
Please take a moment and share how YOU slow down to enjoy each moment.
