By Taylor Madonna Dowding
It is so easy to become caught up in the world around us, that we do not stop and admire the present moment and enjoy where we are. It is human nature to run on autopilot, with our minds wondering off in different directions and becoming occupied with other thoughts.
Stop to think about your day for a moment. You have probably sat at a computer, had a coffee, ate lunch, used the bathroom, washed your hands, driven home... but did you actually stop for a moment and notice any of these activities? OR did you just do them? If the answer is the latter, than you are not alone. This is known as 'being occupied'.
Instead of just accepting this though, I suggest that you practice inhabiting the current moment. By really living in the present and experiencing all of our senses, we become enlightened by the world around us. Whatever you are currently doing... STOP. Stop and acknowledge them because they are not insignificant or need to be rushed to uncover the next best thing. Even if you are laying on your bed, reading a book, sitting outside on the grass... these are major things.
When you complete tasks, instead of having your mind elsewhere and rushing to get through it, give it a little space and acknowledge gravity.
For example, i put this into practice when i was washing the dishes after dinner one night; a task I normally rush through because i don't get any enjoyment out of it. Instead of rushing to get it done though, i exercised the following:
- I noticed how my body felt standing up at the sink
- I observed the water, the dish and the residue which was being washed off the plates.
- I listened to the sound of the washing machine and the school children walking past my window.
- I noticed the tea stains on the kettle.
Imagine you have a month to live. Would these simple tasks mean more to you then? Would they be worth more of your time? Every bite would be your last, Each sip of water would pass you by and each sunny morning wouldn't greet you again. These are limited and so valuable and i promise you, that when you stop to take notice of them, they will bring you so much happiness and gratitude.
I now give you permission to incorporate this into your daily routine. Practice it. Every action you take today, no matter how big or how small, intentionally notice it and become mindful of the world around you. When you complete an action, do not rush to complete the next one on your list. Instead, take a moment to appreciate what you have just done.
Practice this and you will inhabit Zen.
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