A Mindful Practice
What is a “Mindful Practice” ?
I believe it can be many things to different people - a silent walk in nature, preparing a nourishing meal with loving intention, watering a garden, or even washing the dishes.
Yes, even washing the dishes can become a mindful practice, believe me this is not an easy one! For many years I found myself grumbling about all the dishes I had to do in a day. Being a mother of many this can be a common situation, but as I found myself complaining in my mind on a daily basis - I noticed how this inner conversation would shift my energy from positive to negative in moments. One day I was reading “At Home in The World”a book by Thich Nhat Hahn and was inspired to take a new mindful approach.
“I enjoy taking my time with each dish, being fully aware of the dish, the water, and each movement of my hands. I know that if I hurry in order to be able to finish so I can sit down sooner and eat dessert or enjoy a cup of tea, the time of washing dishes will be unpleasant and not worth living. That would be a pity, for each minute, each second of life is a miracle. The dishes themselves and the fact that I am here washing them are miracles!”
- Thich Nhat Hahn
I am so glad to have read this teaching when I did, it has helped me transform my grumbling into a “mindful practice”. I must be honest - there are still moments when I begin to feel that negative mindset creeping in and remind myself to shift the thought pattern. Recognizing that we need to shift our thoughts is the first step to creating lasting change and a mindful practice can help us to cultivate these transformations in the mind, body & spirit. It may not happen instantly, but “practice and all is coming” -Sri K Pattabhi Jois
Tea as a Mindful Practice
Steeping, serving and sipping tea is a beautiful way to incorporate some mindfulness into your day. Itʻs also a wonderful way to slow down and nurture your vessel.
Cultivating mindful moments in your life is essential in these busy times that we live in. Mindfulness does not always need to look like sitting in meditation for an hour, although I do recommend at least 5-minutes a day. You can find ways to be mindful that are unique to your energy, frequency & vibration. Maybe you love to create art, or enjoy spending time in the garden, cooking might be one of your love languages, whatever it is that you are doing with the intention of love & gratitude can become a mindful practice.
mindfulness in the simple things…
like reading a book, sharing special moments with the ones you love, helping your neighbor, or even taking a bath.
A regular practice of any kind helps us to develop and sharpen our skills - as we continue to “practice” mindfully we help expand our awareness, reset our energy, find deeper connection, and create space for change. I hope you find ways to incorporate a new mindful practice into your life that brings you more joy & peace.
Being present in the moment, observing, feeling, no judgements - this is mindfulness
Practice often & remember to smile
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Love
Nadia
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