Inviting mindfulness into all our moments

Welcome to Mindfulness week!

MINDFULNESS –an attentive awareness of the reality of things, especially of the present moment; thoughtful, aware

It is easy to think of a special place, a quiet nook or possibly a small garden, where mindfulness is easy to summon. I think of a yoga studio or a small bench tucked under a tree. In both places I expect to be contemplative and aware. Circumstances, like jockeying for a way to pass with your umbrella, can also call for a sharp attention. The unfamiliar or surprising can jolt us into profound awareness.

January enjoys the wonder:

Pacific Coast Highway
by January Handl

Driving along the coast,
clouds range across the sky,
some the charcoal gray with fringe rain rejoining its mother,
some sculpted rounds of circular white mounds,
like phantom shaving cream ships,
sailing round this wonder of a world,
some the wispy screens through
which the setting sun sends dazzling beams of search light sun
spinning circles of bright diamond light
in the tumult of liquid metal sea.

I roll down the window, even though the January frigid tinge on the air
sends immediate chill throughout the car.
and the tang of salt air, the brine-brisk breath of ocean mighty
fills my lungs past what the warmed indoor air can reach
and I hear the waves crash upon rock and cliff, punctuated with the cree-call of gulls
circling in to shelter from the storm.
And my heart fills up
Up
up
up
up
And over,
spilling gratitude to every cell in my soul…
tears well up at
the awe of being in this body of keen perception
in a moment so wildly wonder-full as this one.

Yes! In a moment of full awareness, mindful wonder fills our heart.

But what about the regular comings and goings of life? It is harder to grasp within routines that dull our senses…or in traffic… or in a rush. Our attention easily falters amid  the chaotic ins and outs of daily life. Our Bliss Initiative this week is to invite the wonder of a mindful moment into all our moments.

Easier said than done, eh? Well, let’s try!

As you go about your day take time to pause, perhaps every time as you walk to your car, or before you start the next thing. Let awareness fill your heart and mind, if only for a second, before continuing. Practice holding that mindful state for longer and longer. Encourage your mind to maintain the wonder while doing routine tasks, invite a mindful presence where ever you go. Even a few minutes of mindfulness can make a big difference. This week let’s see how much of it we can promote!

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tamara and January are here each Monday to help set the mood for the week!

Tamara Magnitsky

My mission is fulfilling a lifelong desire to be a creative professional making a positive difference in the lives of those I encounter. Photographing unique personalities in a fun and relaxed environment. To challenge myself creatively, listen deeply and take a damn good picture.
See Tamara’s photography on her Facebook Page.

 

 

January Handl

January Handl is first and always a mother, has been a preschool teacher and parent educator for 25 years. She is currently lives in Aptos California AND simply in awe of existence.

She calls her photo “hot tub bliss”  🙂