Life is beautiful
how I am embracing mindfulness
I have been trying to focus on mindfulness and how to incorporate that in my everyday life. I realize that the term “mindfulness” is an overused term and sometimes an equally confusing idea.
I love how the author of the book Resilient Grieving: Finding Strength and Embracing Life After a Loss That Changes Everything, Lucy Hone, PhD, defines mindfulness. In essence, there are two types: “formal mindfulness practice, which involves daily meditation and breathing exercises and informal mindfulness practice, which involves bringing mindful attention to all aspects of our day-to-day lives. This means making an effort to be aware of our thoughts, emotions, feelings and the environment on a moment-to-moment basis and to keep our minds focused on the present rather than wandering aimlessly.”
Setting aside specific times of the day for prayer and meditation help me to stay focused and grateful. Trying to not “multitask” makes gratitude flow easier and allows for me to take the moments in life for what they are - actual moments and experiences, not just a blur of everyday activities.
I want to share with you one of those moments. Back in May 2022, I found myself making a batch of cookies with my 93 year old mother. Despite some health challenges the last few months of her life, she lived an independent and fulfilling existence. A fall in her garage a few months earlier had resulted in a fracture in her right shoulder. As a family, we all helped my Mom as best we could, including finding an in-home senior health service that allowed her to stay right where she wanted to be - living in her apartment and not in a nursing home.
My mother and I had been part of a community volunteer group that recognized local caregivers by baking homemade treats as a thank you. It was a natural fit for both of us - we both loved to bake and being able to do that together and the acts of kindness that resulted, were a combination that was a win-win.
For the months after her injury, she was sidelined and forced to be my “supervisor” as we baked. Nevertheless, we still enjoyed these moments together.
On this particular Saturday afternoon Mom seemed to have more strength and energy. She put her walker beside her and insisted she could help me this time. I can’t explain what I felt at that moment other than I had a feeling I needed to take in every word, every feeling and every emotion on a moment by moment basis.
The feel of her hands as we rolled the cookies into little balls, using the mixing bowl I remembered as a child. Gently placing them on her cookie sheets, carefully pressing them down. I knew that what I was experiencing was special, even though it was something we had done so many times throughout my life.
We hugged each other after I took the cookies out of the oven and each enjoyed eating a few (just to make sure they were okay)...That simple experience was filled with love - the love my Mom emitted so freely and effortlessly every day of her life. That was also the last time we made cookies together.
I know, sad story, right? Well..I suppose it could be and if I’m brutally honest, it has been at times. But now, all these months later, I realize that it doesn’t have to be. I can choose to make it what I want it to be.
That is one of the many beauties of mindfulness. If practiced with intention and purpose you can take those “ordinary” moments and focus on the beauty that lies within them.
This week’s Smile video
The last two years I taught I used Steve Hartman's videos in my library every day - I called them "Smile videos' ' and the students loved them. It made me feel like I was making a difference spreading the message of kindness and good character...I love how this video shows how teachers around the country are doing the same thing and now there is a Facebook group just for this purpose, sharing lesson plans and resources - Be Kind, Work Hard, Have Fun...
#spreadkindness #smilevideos
Nice news…
If practicing more gratitude is one of your goals for 2023 and beyond, a Florida nonprofit is here to help. To recognize and encourage positivity and kindness, the Santoro Education Lifeskills Foundation (SELF) developed a thank you card program — and you can request your own set of cards for free.
Check it out! https://nicenews.com/acts-of-kindness/santoro-foundation-thank-youcards/
Three Numbers Make a Difference
I think this graphic is a perfect explanation of how three numbers can help people who are found in circumstances that they have thought would have never happened to them but did. Please share this information with those you love. It can save a life.
Quote of the week
“Love wasn’t put in your heart to stay. Love isn’t love until you give it away.”
Until next week. Please remember…Begin and end each day with a grateful heart…and always, always be kind….