I get it. Mindfulness is something to aspire to, but it's damn hard to come by. Especially with that non-stop narration "in your head" that pulls you in five million directions. That yappy inner voice is not going to remind you to be mindful; in fact, it's probably going to pick on you because it's just one more thing you should be doing but not accomplishing. Kind of a no-win situation.
So here's a simple and pleasant exercise that takes an indirect approach, one that might short-circuit the inner critic for a few moments; Something you can practice daily so that mindfulness builds organically, effortlessly and exponentially.
Step One - Take a few moments to contemplate that one thing you do every day that gives you a moment (even just a brief moment!) of sheer pleasure:
Is it taking that first uninterrupted sip of coffee or tea in the morning that makes you feel a readiness to face your day? Tucking your child in at night and marveling at what a wonderful being that came into the world through your love? Getting ready to chill after a long day, sitting in your comfort zone to watch your favorite TV show or reading an engrossing book? Or placing your head on the pillow at night, looking forward to rest and relaxation?
What's that moment for you?
For me it's a hot bath, something I've learned to make a ritual. Getting into that warm water is so comforting, so soothing, so therapeutic for me that I've learned to acknowledge that there must be some part of me that knows how to manifest perfection in my world.
Step Two -- Now, set an intention or suggest to yourself that every time you partake in that daily moment, you experience reverence for your own power of creation, acknowledging the fact that perfection does exist and that you have allowed its existence.
Paulo Coehlo wrote these uplifting words in his book, By the Rio Piedra I Sat Down and Wept:
Every day, God gives us the sun - and also one moment in which we have the ability to change everything that makes us unhappy...if people really pay attention to their everyday lives, they will discover that magic moment...a moment when all the powers of the stars becomes a part of us and enables us to perform miracles.
There are many excellent mindfulness techniques that guide you to be more in tune with reverence - those moments when we are filled with awe -- perhaps witnessing a perfect sunset or listening to a majestic piece of music; Moments that give us that lightning flash of appreciation for the handiwork of a magnificent Creator.
By paying attention to this one daily oasis of perfection, you have the power to change your world. You will come to recognize the existence of the creator within you, that spark of divinity at your core. And that recognition of your mastery, your enormous worth, will open the way for much more bliss and wonderment.
I look forward to learning about your moment of perfection.