I only have one goal today, to water the plants. That’s it. You’re probably wondering why I’m shooting for the stars with this one simple goal?
A few days back, the cheeky sore throat turned into the cheeky runny nose, which turned into the body and ear aches. It’s autumn season and as the weather recalibrates, so do us humans.
These cheeky symptoms have me couch bound but with a grin. Trust me, I’m not trying to be overly positive here, I just naturally am because I can see the opportunity underneath the sore knee caps.
Life’s sound track is often one of fast beats, fast words, fast friendships and fast catch ups. This can leave us feeling both satisfied and glad we’ve connected, but also wondering if the ‘connect list’ will ever end!
How do we sustain life’s pace at times? Honestly, I feel like it’s by not being present. Instead of immersing into the moments and the catch ups, we live on top of them! We find a way to do it all but without much mindfulness to it.
Sitting on the couch crook is like a big old catch up with myself. I am actually understanding the book I’m reading, I can feel my body even if it is a bit achey. I’m not spreading my energy thin, I’m just present. And I’m grateful that my life set up allows for this. The only thing needing my attention right now are the house plants, but they are even happy to wait!
So, it got me thinking about what I always think about, ‘why don’t I do this more, this mindfulness present stuff- it’s such a cup filler’!
And honestly, the only answers I could find within are ‘desire’ and ‘discipline’.
For starters, you gotta want to. You have to first ask yourself ‘do I really want to be more present and connected in my life’? If the answer shoots through like a shooting star with a loud yes, move forward. Even if you get a quiet yes, that is perfect too. I can be Italian and dramatic at times.
Next, it’s discipline my love. It’s literally making the concious connected choice to give yourself the space to be present. It doesn’t have to be long (1 hour even) but it has to be consistent. It’s a commitment to yourself that once a week, or better yet once a day, you will participate more mindfully and heart fully with life. Here’s what it could look like:
When you’re eating dinner… you’re eating dinner. No phone. No tv. No distractions, just collecting the moment, tasting the food and being present with it- whatever your set up looks like.
When you’re reading your book before bed, embrace the quiet moment where it’s just you and you. Really read. Focus on the breathe. Dip properly into the moment and enjoy it.
When you’re working out, watch your mind. Is it like a little rabbit running through the forrest? See if you can collect it and bring it back to the workout and just enjoy it. Be grateful for your healthy body and be present with all the feels, the endorphins and the pain.
And the cuddle. One of my favourite simple pleasures. Hugging. When you are in a hug with your partner, your kids, your doggo, your mum, your friend. Feel the hug. Let yourself squeeze that bit tighter and open your heart that bit bigger.
Desire first, then consistent discipline. You’ll quickly start to see how ‘the slower lane’ makes life feel more wholesome and delicious.
Now I actually have the energy to water my plants, mindfully. This is wholesome living in my eyes.
Enjoy the moment. Love Luca x
SimBLISSity 