“It makes no difference what the clock says or what the calendars says. It is still now and always will be now.” Joe Goldsmith
A new year. That’s what the calendar tells us. That’s what the stroke of midnight signifies on December 31st. We have marked time and declared a new beginning of the calendar year. But is it really a “new” year? It only matters if you are a calendar. But, it really doesn’t matter what the clock says or what the calendar says. We don’t have a choice in this. It is always the now moment. No matter if we’re thinking of the past or thinking of the future, we are doing it right now as we experience the moment.
As 2016 begins, is your mind full of regrets about what was left undone in 2015? Is your mind full of sad thoughts about what was lost last year? Or maybe your mind is full of anxiety about what will happen next? Life happens. Our minds fill up with thoughts about our “must dos” and “need tos” and “shoulds”. We drift down memory lane and our minds fill up with thoughts about our “could’ves” and “would’ves”.
Have you become a human “doing” rather than a human “being”? Is your mind full? Or are you mindful? Often when we focus on the past, we feel a negative emotion such as regret or disappointment or even anger. And when we focus on the future, we may feel a negative emotion such as fear or doubt. In either case, we are hurting ourselves. And we need to stop it!
Mindfulness is incredibly simple and also incredibly difficult. Mindfulness is just the act of being present. It’s paying attention to what is happening in the moment instead of focusing on the past or the future. It’s paying attention on purpose.
So, how do you incorporate more mindfulness into your life? I know you’re already too busy to meditate (sigh). But I suggest you try something I’m certain you will enjoy. I’m also certain that you’ve done this at least once or twice in your lifetime. One of the easiest ways to practice the art of mindfulness is to simply experience a sunset. Really experience it. Experience it with all of your senses. Stop whatever it is you are doing. Give yourself the gift of three big deep breaths. Focus on the inhale and the exhale. This will bring body, mind and spirit together. And then pay attention to the details. Watch the show of light and color unfold. At least give it as much attention as you do when you watch a TV show or a ball game. Be aware.
Or how about taking the time to slowly enjoy every delicious morsel of your favorite food? Nourish all of your senses when you observe color and texture as well as the subtleties of flavor. When you pay attention to the details, you are mastering the art of mindful eating. Being present slows you down. You enjoy your meals more and studies have shown a link to significant weight loss.
Another simple way to learn mindfulness is to connect with your inner child. Become a kid again. Approach life with curiosity and a sense of wonder. Look at things in a new way. Taste new foods. Listen to the sounds of life and make music. Learn a new skill or language or game. Write. Draw. Create. Sing. Dance. Explore. Be mindful of what brings you happiness. And then do it. Live.
The Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hanh says, “You are caught in the past or in the future. You are not there in the present moment, living your life deeply. That is forgetfulness. Mindfulness is when you are truly there, mind and body together. You breathe in and out mindfully, you bring your mind back to your body, and you are there. When your mind is there with your body, you are established in the present moment. Then you can recognize the many conditions of happiness that are in you and around you, and happiness just comes naturally.”
When you are mindful of the moments, you literally fill your mind with the details that enhance your memories and recreate your feelings of pleasure. May 2016 bring you many moments of joy. And may you have the presence of mind to recognize those moments and be mindful of the experience.