Mindfulness Monday: Exercise #4

I can safely say that last week's exercise to refrain from using "filler' words like um, er, ah, y'know and eh was a bust. I have no idea if I used filler words or not. Reverting to my old, familiar mindless ways, my energy was totally focused on birthday-cake decorating for my twin step-son's 30th. More on that, in a later post.

New week, new exercise. Appreciate Your Hands. According to How to Train a Wild Elephant, "Several times a day, when your hands are busy, watch them as though they belong to a stranger. Also look at them when they are still."

As in the case of all of these exercises, there are deeper lessons that the mindful practice teaches us. I'm looking forward to what I learn from this one...

Mindfulness Monday: Exercise #3

Last week in my effort to become more mindful, I embarked on Exercise # 2 from Jan Chozen Bays book, How to Train a Wild Elephant. My mission to "Leave No Trace" in our bathroom (post-glamorization) was very successful. Did Mr. Something notice? I think not. But none-the-less, it was I who benefitted (?) most. The bathroom stayed tidy and it didn't take but a few seconds out of my day to keep it that way. In fact, the practice continued to other rooms of the house. Win-win.

I think I need more outside activities

This week's exercise is to become aware of the use of "filler" words like ah, uh, you-know, like, um and eh. I have come by "eh" quite honestly though as the Canadian in me just won't let it go, eh? I don't think I use these words a whole lot, but this week I will take the advice offered in the book and enlist the help of family and friends in helping me identify their use.

Mindfulness Monday: Exercise #2

In an effort to become more 'mindful' of each day, I have embarked on a series of weekly exercises derived from the book, "How To Train a Wild Elephant" by Jan Chozen.- Last week's exercise was to use my non-dominant hand to complete basic daily tasks - Mindfulness Monday: Exercise #1.


Exercise #1 - Use your non-dominant hand. 

Brushing my teeth, playing Angry Birds and blogging were time consuming and frustrating while using my left (non-dominant) hand but do-able. The exercise made me much more aware and strengthened my appreciation for my health and well-being.

It was in make-up application, hair styling and dressing that I reverted back to my right-handed ways for fear of channeling Tammy Faye...

Exercise #2 - Leave No Trace: Choose one room in your house and leave no sign that you've been there.

I'll choose the bathroom.

After I'm done trying not to look like Tammy Faye, the sink and counter are so cluttered with several different hairbrushes, a blow dryer, curling iron, hair products, contact lens stuff,  make up and various skin care products that Mr. Something has been known to (ahem) take issue with the lack of space available to him.
If anything, I'm thinking this exercise will at least promote bathroom harmony.

Mindfulness Monday: Exercise #1

As life continues to progress at startling speed, I reflect on this past year and I am struck. With awe.

As of January 2011... my brother-in-law was diagnosed with brain cancer, moved in with us and died in our arms. My step-son married. Now, he and his bride are expecting their first child. My husband is retiring from his 35 years as a firefighter. My eldest step-son became a Police Officer. Our Aunt "Sissy" suffered a stroke (she's OK now).

If it weren't for life altering, big-deal moments in life, I question whether or not I have yet learned to stop, breathe and experience life. My tendency has been to go on 'auto-pilot' until I receive a proverbial slap-in-the-face. I have been on 'auto-pilot' for several months now and I don't like it. It interferes with my creativity.

I'm back now.

Listening to NPR on my way to work one Sunday Morning, I learned of a book that had my name written all over it..."How to Train A Wild Elephant and Other Adventures In Mindfulness" by Jan Chozen Bays. The gist of the book surrounds training yourself to learn "simple daily mindfulness practices for living life more fully and joyfully"

Bear with me as I share some of 'mindfulness' practices with you. Maybe you will become more 'mindful' along with me.
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This week, my mission will be to use my non-dominant hand as much as possible. I am to place a band-aid on my dominant hand as a reminder...I'll let you know how it works for me...