Do you ever just stop to take a deep breath?
We get so stuck in our busy daily routines. Sometimes I notice that I haven’t gotten up from my desk in a while, or that I’ve been staring at my computer screen for hours - I’m not even aware of my breath and notice I’m not even breathing.
I leave little post-its on my desk reminding myself to be patient and mindful. Sometimes that gets overlooked. It blends into the routine, among the other post-its and clutter that surrounds me.
I once read that in order to bring mindfulness into our daily routine, we must specifically concentrate at the task at hand; for instance, folding laundry. A majority of the time, we’re not folding the laundry, we are thinking about our long to-do lists and bills we have to pay. If we just focus on the task at hand, being aware of every crease we make in our t-shirts and towels, even if for a few moments, we are present in space and time in that exact moment.
It’s a hard task considering the way our brains are wired. We’re constantly receiving data and information from social media that we have grown accustomed to this overloaded way of life. I think back on the times not so long ago when we didn’t have to scroll through news feeds during the day and before bed, reading hundreds of people’s thoughts in a few minutes, and checking emails as soon as we turn off the morning alarm. We can literally get any information we have ever imagined and so easily, given it’s direct access right at our fingertips. We are never giving ourselves, our minds, a break from absorbing all of this information so quickly.
Take a moment today, or perhaps two or three (I try to start first thing in the morning) to just pause, take a deep breath and be aware of that sacred breath, exhale and repeat. These days that are turning too quickly into years passed and are flying by because we’re missing our moments. Being aware that the greatest gift we have is the ability to breathe without even thinking - we can’t forget that. Slow down and start to notice the why and what. Are you picking up your phone because you need it or it habitual? Stop to think, am I enjoying this moment? If you bring awareness to each moment, even when you feel frustrated, it will help you be present. If you get stuck in a traffic jam, it won’t change anything and you won’t get to your destination faster. Just know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be at that exact moment. If you’re angry, stop to think - if it won’t matter in five years, what is its importance now? It’s just added stress you don’t need. I need to remind myself of this often.
Whether it’s folding laundry, getting stuck in traffic, or leaving yourself post-it notes, do it with mindfulness and grace so you can enjoy your daily busy routine a little bit more. Even if it’s just a little effort each day, your days won’t turn so quickly into years that pass you by. Enjoy every moment.
