“Mindfulness” doesn’t mean sitting for hours on end in perfect stillness. In fact, while it’s great to meditate for extended periods, the real power in living a more mindful life is in the little things. The point, in my opinion, is to be fully present for our lives. The good, the bad, and the ugly.
This week, we try to bring a bit of mindfulness to the most “boring” parts of the day and appreciate all that’s going on.
Monday : Set Intention
Decide now to be present for the things you normally take for granted or mentally “skip.” Brushing your teeth, maybe. Taking a shower. Running an errand.
Tuesday : Slow Flow
One of the biggest advantages of a yoga asana practice is opening and articulating the spine. One of the ways we do this is through backbends. If you’re picturing a circus acrobat bent in half the wrong way, then that’s one version of a backbend, but it’s not what we’ll do today. Instead, we’ll focus on two shapes often made in yoga class warm-ups: cat (think scary Halloween cat) and cow (drop those udders!) They’re not glamorous, but they really help open things up!
Wednesday : Meditation
If this week’s theme is paying attention to the mundane, then I can think of no better way to honor stuff we take for granted than to focus on the breath. Feeling the rise and fall of each breath — something that happens tens of thousands of times a day — can anchor you in the current moment like nothing else. And can provide a deep sense of gratitude for all of the “mundane” miracles around us.
Thursday : Mindful Hack
Thursday’s Mindful Hack is to slow down and experience all the sounds, textures and sensations that go into habitual tasks. Chopping veggies. Brushing your teeth. Making your morning coffee. Not necessarily slowing down, but just being present for your own life.
Friday : Athletic Flow
This Friday’s Athetlic Flow explores Sun Salutation B, one of my favorite “standard” sequences. I love it because it can be challenging, but it’s also accessible. I’ll start by breaking each pose down and then flowing through a little more quickly — one breath per movement. As always, take what you need … and leave the rest. I promise it gets easier!
Saturday : Meditation
Listen. Starting with listening (actually literally HEARING) the breath, gradually work your way outward : a sound in the room : a sound far away. When your mind wanders (it will), just come back. Come back a hundred times if you need to. You can rest assured that the breath will always be there.
Sunday : Reflection
What if we didn’t have to strive so hard? What if the highest practice of yoga / meditation / mindfulness was simply being fully present and fully embracing all of who we are. The rose, Thich Nhat Hanh tells us, doesn’t have any purpose other than to be a rose. Our purpose is to be ourselves.
Nothing that appears in this blog or on this website is intended to treat or diagnose any disorder, physical or otherwise. Always consult a physician before beginning any exercise program.