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Have you
noticed? The
splendor of
Fall is here
-
spectacular
colors, a
variety of
delicious
foods, and,
of course,
chilly
mornings are
back as
well. But,
you may not
have taken a
moment to
stop and
enjoy these
pleasures
what with
all the
worrisome
news we've
gotten
lately. Of
course,
problems
with the
economy and
an anxiety
provoking
election
season need
our
attention
and
response.
But, if we
focus too
much on them
and avoid
finding some
pleasure in
the present
moment, our
well-being
will be in
jeopardy.
Our most
recent
newsletter
focused on
four tips to
stress
management
and today we
want to
offer
something
new and
different.
The topic
for this
newsletter
is "being
mindful of
the good
stuff." What
better time
is there to
slow down
and savor
all the good
there is for
us in our
lives but
during this
autumn
season, the
season of
harvest?
Best
wishes for a
savory
season!
|
Tips for
taking in
the good in
your life
Being
able to take
in the good
in life is a
form of
present
moment
mindfulness.
Ancient
cultures
have long
practiced
various
methods of
cultivating
present
moment
attention
through
meditation,
prayer,
yoga, etc.
Mindful
awareness
has now been
scientifically
proven to
enhance our
physical,
mental, and
social
well-being.
The
following
tips are
some simple
ways that
you can
utilize
mindfulness
to help you
embrace the
present
moment in
your life.
1.
Savor the
flavor
There are
so many
wonderful
flavors for
us to enjoy
this time of
year,
whether it
is fresh
heritage
tomatoes or
a new
Honeycrisp
apple. This
morning
while
writing this
note to you,
I'm enjoying
a hot cup of
black tea
with just a
touch of
honey
-wonderful!
Mindful
eating
includes
noticing the
color and
appearance,
the aroma,
as well as
the flavor
and texture
of food.
Next time
you eat
something,
take time to
notice the
color,
smell,
texture, and
flavor of
whatever it
is you are
eating. Let
yourself
notice and
experience
each and
every
component.
2.
Make
eye-contact
Based
upon
cultural
context, eye
contact has
different
implications.
However, in
western
culture,
making eye
contact
while you're
speaking is
generally
not only
acceptable,
but very
helpful in
communicating.
It enables
us to feel
more deeply
connected,
present, and
attuned.
Especially
when giving
or receiving
words of
affirmation,
praise, or
when loving
tender
feelings are
expressed.
Don't feel
rushed to
respond or
to move away
from the
moment but
just stay
with and
practice
noticing all
there is to
notice.
3.
Make room
for
gratitude
Mindfulness
requires us
to slow down
and make
room for
objective
observation.
Creating a
ritual that
allows and
requires us
to clear a
space for
quiet does
just that.
One way to
do this is
to make a
point of
mindfully
experiencing
gratitude.
Take a
moment now
to go
inside,
pause, and
consider
someone or
something in
your life
that you
appreciate.
Choose
anything you
can feel
grateful for
today, in
this moment
-such as
your health,
resources,
loving
support;
these are
just a few
of the
things we
might
typically
take for
granted.
4.
Experience
the
connection
Research
continues to
provide more
evidence
that, as
humans,
we're
hard-wired
to connect,
both
emotionally
and
physically.
As you go
through your
day,
practice
being
mindful of
each and
every human
connection
you
encounter.
From a
handshake, a
pat on the
back, a kind
word, a show
of support,
or a warm
embrace.
Notice each
and every
experience
and the
impact it
brings.
Although
these
strategies
seem simple,
we're
confident
that, with
intention,
they can
help you be
more present
in your life
and will
contribute
positively
to your
mood, your
relationships
and to your
work
performance
as well. If
you would
like to
discuss
these or
other
strategies
for getting
the life you
really want,
please call
us today at
612-926-8149
to schedule
a
consultation.
Be well! |
And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.”
