A Harvard Study has shown 46.9% of our waking day is spent thinking about something, other than what we are actually doing.............consequently how much of life are we missing?
How often have you walked from a) to b) and suddenly realise you have seen, heard and noticed nothing about the walk, because you were trapped in your own thoughts. Of course, there is a time for this - perhaps you are problem solving or contemplating an idea - but almost HALF of the day!!
The riches in life, are found in those few precious moments, that when noticed warm our hearts. Those moments that make us smile, bring us peace, fill us with joy, awe or wonder - they are out there, in every day life; we are just often too busy to notice them. They are found in the laughter of a baby, the sunrise or sunset, a sky full of stars, the light catching through the leaves as Autumn slowly creeps in, the birdsong, dogs running around in the park or the cat catching the last bit of today's sun. Such moments, are not only there to enjoy when we are on holiday or not working; they can be enjoyed every day- those magic mindful moments! The trick is, having the awareness to notice them and making the time to take a "short" pause to embrace them.
Can you take 1-3 minutes out of your daily rush and plan in a deliberate "mindful pause". Perhaps lock it onto an established routine e.g. once you arrive at work, don't jump straight of the car and "go through the motions" but take a pause to look around, and use your senses to embrace the moment, before stepping out of the car. Do you have a nice view from your bedroom or living room window? Go on, draw back the curtains and take it in - even if you can only spare 30 seconds. Or perhaps you can set a daily alarm, to simply take in the moment.
Choosing to take these "mindful pauses" is a conscious decision, but a one where the riches of life can be found! Feel the positive impact this can have on your mindset, emotional regulation and physiologically.
The joy is found in the moment, right here, right now! xx
