SLOW DOWN. BE MINDFUL. BE HERE NOW.

Are you caught up in the fast-paced society of today with multiple responsibilities and not enough time for all you have to do? Do you find yourself multi-tasking and trying to manage your time more efficiently so you can keep up with everything as well as take on more? Are you trying to rewrite the past and/or control the future so everything goes your way? Lastly, have you ever thought to yourself, "Stop the world, I want to get off!"

One thing you can decide to control is the pace of your life. Choose to slow down. Practice slowing down your actions, like walking or getting up from your chair more slowly and making sure you sit down to eat and savor each bite. Practice being fully present in the moment. That means focusing on the one thing you are doing right now. Are you thinking, listening, talking, eating, walking, showering, or just sitting and breathing? Slowing down can start with just paying attention to your breath in and out. Do you really see the painting on the wall, the new sign they just put up or the notes you leave to yourself? Are you paying full attention to the family member with whom you are talking?

By slowing down we not only prevent negative things from happening, such as accidents or forgetting things, but we also get to enjoy life more fully. Savor the sights, sounds, fragrances, and life around you. Be like a child in wonder at the simple pleasures of life. Take time to practice this "mindfulness" of the present moment and notice the difference(s) in your life.

I would love to hear feedback about what some of you notice when starting to practice this mindfulness and paying attention to the moment with your focus on one thing at a time. This could be about successes or even frustrations or challenges. So post a comment or email me!