Word of the Week: Mindful

Word of the Week:  Mindful

How many times do we pass by something (like this Lily) and think about how beautiful it is?  We are aware of the flower.  At the same time we are aware of it, we also have a bunch of

other thoughts swirling through our mind.  Our thoughts flit in and out of our minds like fireflies in the darkness of night.  Appearing here and there for just a moment and then fading off.  We are aware of things and life around us, but generally we are not mindful.

Being mindful is the act of paying attention — on purpose.  Take a moment and involve your senses in your experience.  Feel the droplets of dew on the petals, smell the scent, hear the wind, see the vibrant color.  Sure you will still have those swirling thoughts coming in and out… but just bring your focus back.  When you let yourself experience life through mindfulness you are also learning to enjoy fully that which is around you… and you will train yourself to let those fleeting thoughts go (and not dwell upon them).

Practicing mindfulness  is a great way to reduce stress.

“Life is not lost by dying; life is lost minute by minute, day by dragging day, in all the small uncaring ways.”
~ Stephen Vincent Benet