Practice mindfulness in everyday life from "summary" of Traveling Mercies by Anne Lamott
Life is a series of moments strung together like beads on a necklace. Each moment, each bead, is unique and precious in its own way. When we practice mindfulness in our everyday lives, we are like jewelers examining each bead with care and attention, appreciating its beauty and significance.
By being present in the moment, we can fully experience the richness of life unfolding around us. This means paying attention to the small details, the sights, sounds, and smells that make up our everyday existence. It means being fully engaged with whatever we are doing, whether it is washing dishes, walking the dog, or having a conversation with a friend.
Mindfulness is about being fully present in the here and now, without judgment or distraction. It is about accepting things as they are, without trying to change or control them. This is not always easy, especially when life throws us curveballs and challenges. But by practicing mindfulness, we can cultivate a sense of peace and equanimity that helps us navigate the ups and downs of life with grace and resilience.
One way to practice mindfulness is through meditation. By sitting quietly and focusing on our breath, we can train our minds to be more present and aware. This can help us become more attuned to our thoughts and emotions, and to develop a greater sense of self-awareness and self-compassion.
But mindfulness is not just about meditation. It is about bringing awareness and intentionality to every aspect of our lives. It is about slowing down and savoring the simple pleasures, like a cup of tea, a sunrise, or a good book. It is about being kind and compassionate to ourselves and others, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty.
When we practice mindfulness in our everyday lives, we are cultivating a deeper connection to ourselves, to others, and to the world around us. We are opening ourselves up to the beauty and wonder of life, and to the infinite possibilities that lie within each moment. So let us embrace mindfulness as a way of being, a way of living fully and authentically in the present moment.
