How to reignite a daily mindful living practice.

I noticed something about my daily mindfulness practice that really works for me and I would love to share this with you. Mindfulness has consistently pointed me in the direction of my most purposeful and peaceful life. There is something so magical about pausing and seeing the world in a whole new way.  Finding the pause is the tricky part. 

 

I recently gave an example of this on Instagram @narelle.hunter. I recorded what the landscape looked like when I was rushing, then I stopped for just one minute and took a short video of the sheep by a dam on sunset. Reflections of red and orange clouds where in the water as two ducks swam by. It was truly lovely and my whole body took a breath. 

 

I often say that I try to keep one foot in the present but what I noticed this morning, might be a more useful tip. There are very precise places in my garden and on the farm, that stop me in my tracks. For example, I have a little garden outside our kitchen window. There are two bird baths there and a red flowering bottle brush that dangles over the birds as they enjoy their morning drink. The water sparkles in light. I always stop and take a brief pause, before doing anything in the kitchen. I also glance at this part of the garden as I run to the car, before heading to town. This space has become a reminder to wake up and notice. 

 

There are other areas that have the same impact, like the almond tree in the front yard, when it blossoms. Yesterday I lay under it, just for a few minutes after my walk, listening to the bees and watching the yellow-throated honey eater sit amongst them. Just a week ago the first blossom appeared and in such a short time, this clever tree had attracted hundreds of bees and it is covered in pink blossoms. I was amazed. 

 

Mindful living rituals awaken the witnessing presence, drawing a grace into my awareness. Just a one minute pause is enough to get me out of my head and into my heart. Nature has so many examples of harmony, flow, health and unity. There is something about acknowledging this, that can recalibrate the body, heart and mind. 

If you are interested in reigniting your own mindful living practice, may I suggest you start by choosing a couple of places to regularly observe the detail.

 

Take the time to regularly turn up in the place you have chosen (like my spot in the garden with the bird bath or the almond tree) Witness the colours, aromas, textures, light, sounds, movement and stillness. All you need is curiosity. Forget expectations of being overcome with peace and joy, although it is lovely when this does land. Simply pause and observe, over and over again. It’s like building the strength of a muscle. In this case what we are building over time is an ability to be more fully awake to all today has to offer. 

 

Find me on Instagram @narelle.hunter