How often in our daily lives are we multi-tasking and looking at our phones while having a conversation with someone, taking care of business while eating, or texting while driving? When we finish a meal, can we say that we took the time to chew each bite into a fine paste, and are we aware of the different tastes, textures and ingredients that were in our food? When we drive somewhere, are we aware of what's happening around us, or are we on auto-pilot solely relying on our GPS to tell us where to exit, then find that we still missed the exit? I'm pretty sure most of us can raise our hands in acceptance that we've experienced moments like these. At 10pm, reflecting on our day, do we even remember what we did?
When we are preoccupied and trying to multi-task, are we really experiencing the moment? There's the saying, "Life is about the journey, not the destination." From the perspective of being in the fitness industry, often times we see people who are so focused on hitting a number that they don't even recognize the other changes like having more self-confidence, balanced hormones, better sleep, more endurance, less stress, and so on. Or have you ever cheated yourself to achieve a goal to find that you only felt empty handed in the end?
Observe. Whether you're in a yoga pose or doing a set at the gym, pause and observe. How do you feel? What is your breath doing? If you stop at a light, pause. Look at your surroundings. Feel your body. Are you gripping the steering wheel? When you're sitting at your desk, where are your shoulders? What's your posture doing?
For more mindfulness tips, check out the writings of Thich Nhat Hanh. His book, Peace is Every Step was a game changer in my life some 20 yrs ago.
