Mindfulness
"Your visions will become clear only when you can look into your own heart. Who looks outside, dreams; who looks inside, awakes."
― C.G. Jung
What does it mean to be mindful and how does it fit into the Winter Solstice Edition? As I was pondering the Cover Word, I thought of the holiday season and I began reflecting on the wonderful gifts bestowed upon me throughout the year. The love of my family, caring friends, health and security, my neighborhood and community… my network. I contemplated about myself at this age in the moment, and the amazing life I have here on the Island.
Mindfulness is taking into account and paying attention to what is currently happening in the present moment. It allows us to stop and consider our thought patterns, reactions and behaviors. It is present-moment living without past regrets or future worry.
Awareness and focus on the moment is one of the best stress relievers I know. If you are focused on the moment, your mind simply cannot go to that negative regret/worry place that may be keeping you up at night. Even if your mind starts to wander, present moment (mindfulness) practice can bring you back to peace, allowing you to appreciate the smallest gifts in your life with gratitude.
Mindfulness opens the door for introspection and self-reflection, kindness, empathy, compassion, gratitude, and so much more. We no longer operate on autopilot, instead we recognize our thought patterns and create space for conscious choice.
Throughout the darkest of seasons, we may find ourselves feeling blue or sluggish, unable to bring ourselves to experience the pleasure of the holidays. Becoming mindful, reflecting on what brings us joy and happiness can help to unlock our funk and open our minds to a renewed awareness for the good things we have in our lives.
The first day of Winter juxtaposes the very holiday spirit that embodies kindness and compassion. The days are short, and nights are long. It's dark and gloomy outside, especially here in the Pacific Northwest.
However, there are opportunities for giving if we are mindful of ourselves and our surroundings. Gifts of our time, of food, clothing and essentials, can go a long way toward making the holidays bright for someone less fortunate.
Through mindfulness practice, we can change the way we look at the world, how we can contribute and make a difference in others' lives, while experiencing less stress and more peace in our daily rounds.
So, upon mindful contemplation and reflection, I can only conclude that practicing Mindfulness is a gift we can give ourselves today that will change our minds for good.