What does 'time' mean to you?
I asked my 11 year old daughter what she thought 'time' meant? And this was her answer:
'Time has no beginning or end.' A beautiful simple explanation.
Throughout history time has been measured by recurring seasons, astrological movement of the sun, moon and stars, equinoxes, sand glasses, stone dials, water clocks, pendulums to digital clocks.
Mindfulness asks us to 'be in the present moment'. But how does that translate to every day activities?
Lets break this concept down, moment by moment.
Imagine you're sitting across the table with your best friend having lunch. You can feel the sun on your back, a gentle breeze whisks hair across your face, there is a murmur of voices at other dining tables but your focus is on your friend's eyes. You're engaged, listening attentively and able to respond when necessary. The food arrives and you are greeted by aroma, colour and visual display. Each mouthful is savoured, as too, the company... Sounds easy doesn't it?
Then why do we make it so hard?
Your mobile could be sitting on the table, it vibrates in distraction. Your thoughts might be at the corner shop buying last minute groceries for this evenings supper. You might have a job interview to rush to after lunch and your thoughts are already there in the interview. These are all distractions that take us away from the present moment.
We know what to do to be mindful...but do we do it?
Can you turn your phone off for an hour? Can you stop thinking about yesterday or tomorrow? Can you sit firmly in the present and say to yourself 'I am here, I am present and I am aware'?
Savour every moment in life..cultivate awareness, a connection with yourself, your surroundings and others.
I will leave you to ponder over some quotes:
'The present moment is the only moment available to us, and it is the door to all moments.' Thich Nhat Hanh
'When we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment,
our understanding of what is going on deepens,
and we begin to be filled with acceptance joy, peace and love.' Thich Nhat Hanh
