Hello from guest blogger, Lisa Robinson! This post presents more reflections and observations from my experience in the program in the book “Mindfulness: An Eight-Week Plan for Finding Peace in a Frantic World” by Mark Williams and Danny Penman @DrDannyPenman.
Last week, the meditation was a body scan that helped me place my focus on each area of the body, notice anything I was feeling, and then let it go. Although the intention was to do this meditation while lying down on the floor or a bed, I found myself doing it on most week days while sitting in my office chair at work. To my pleasant surprise, afterwards I felt remarkably refreshed, with my thoughts positive and clear.
The mindfulness book makes the point that mindfulness “is about reorienting your life, so you can enjoy it to the full” (p. 116). Something you can do to experience part of this reorientation is to do the ten-finger gratitude exercise:
On a daily basis, stop to think of ten things you are grateful for, and count them off on your fingers.
This is simple, yet can be very meaningful. One of my ten things happened this morning as I was driving to work. It was still quite early, and there wasn’t much traffic on the city streets that make up my short commute. As I signaled to turn down the street that leads to my parking area, a small rabbit began crossing the street in front of me, running as fast as he could go.
I couldn’t help but smile. I began the day feeling hopeful, seeing the promise in one small rabbit moving with such determination and grace. By slowing down to notice the small things, I create space where I can be more present in what matters most.
If you’re working through the Mindfulness book, I’d enjoy hearing about your experience. If you have any comments to share or any questions about this post or any others from The Mindful Path, please either leave a comment here or feel free to contact me directly in email at mindfulpath@outlook.com.
I hope that you have a mindful week, enjoying the benefits of being present in the moments where you focus your attention. I look forward to sharing more thoughts and resources with you in my next post.
