Mindfulness in Life

We hear about mindfulness in our lives almost daily.  And if you are anywhere on the Spiritual Path, Seeking Yourself or any other path of a better life, I’m sure you’ve seen it.

But sometimes I have to ask myself, how does this really apply to everyday life?  When you are in the midst of a crisis (big or small), It’s hard to stop and think.. where’s the lesson in this?

Mostly we just react.  So I read recently that if you recognize that you are reacting then you are making progress.  And I really feel that this is the truest statement!  I have come from a place of “why is this happening to me?!?” to “wow, I didn’t really handle that well” and even sometimes to a place of “ok.. what is life trying to tell me here”.  That last one is still pretty new and not as often as I’d like.  But at least it does come.  Sometimes it comes right after the “wow, I really didn’t handle that well”. 

Ever have a day that begins with Worry?  Worries of “ok.this is where I am.  How the hell to do I get over there?” – panic because you can’t see it.    Take a breath, and again and settle down to.. “ok.. what’s the first step”.  For me, it felt really good to know that I could get back to that place much faster than I used to.  And it truly wasn’t that long ago that I couldn’t even imagine being in that place.

Small steps is really the key here.  From what I can tell, this doesn’t often happen overnight. 

So.. give yourself some space.  And give yourself some credit. 

Don’t give up and think it’s not for you.  Or that the time isn’t right.  Because if you are seeing it, thinking it or it keeps showing up?  Then it probably is EXACTLY the right time.  But be patient with yourself.  When you can feel and know what it is you feel.  Or sometimes I don’t know exactly what it is that I feel but when you envision one path you feel a sense of calm.. that’s when I think the answer is right in front of you.  Now if you are like me, this has to happen several times before you really pay attention.  And then it’s like, “yeah, so I was right.  This IS what I’m supposed to be doing”.  So pay attention to how you feel.  I heard that your body will never lie to you.  But if you are not listening, or you are trying to suppress the message with junk food or tv or whatever your escape is… then it will take longer.  And each time it tries to tell you it yells a little louder.  You feel a little worse.  You are a little more ill or depressed or fatigued.  These are all your messages.  And they say “Pay Attention”.