7 days of awareness

Come along with me and practice a week of mindfulness in all you do . . .

Day #1

Today . . . 
 
Simply observe what’s going on around you. Be fully aware of your senses in each moment. Seeing vivid colors, hearing joyful laughter, smelling fragrant lilacs, tasting rich chocolate, touching a soft kitten.
 
Take deep breaths as reminders to stay alert and take everything in.
 
 

Day #2

Today . . .
 
Spend time connecting with nature. Even a short walk can improve your outlook and help you think more clearly.
 
To remain cognizant, keep your eyes on your feet as they touch the ground with each step. If you notice your mind start to wander to worrisome thoughts, simply shift the focus back to your feet. Left, right, left, right.
 

 
 

Day #3

Today . . .
 
Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings without criticizing yourself. Accept your experience, good or bad. Be especially aware of any automatic judgments you form.
 
Try this exercise when you are doing daily tasks such as heating water for tea, brushing your teeth, or picking out your clothes for the day. Become fully tuned in to yourself and your responses.
 
 

Day #4

Today . . .
 
While bathing, relax and pay attention to the hot water touching your skin. Notice the immediate calming effects as you allow the tension to drain from your body.
 
Enjoy the safe, secure envelopment of the experience, whether a brisk refreshing shower in the morning or a long soothing bath in the evening.
 

 
 

Day #5

Today . . .
 
For at least ten minutes at a time, limit the technology. Get up and walk away from your computer. Do not answer the phone, do not turn on your television, do not send any text messages. Where do your thoughts naturally go? Let them flow and then clear your mind.
 
The new mantra is “disconnect to reconnect.” Return to your work feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
 
 

Day #6

Today . . .
 
Practice mindfulness in movement. Delight in the ways that your legs carry you to places you want to go, and your arms reach for things that you need. Be aware of your muscles contracting and relaxing as you concentrate on each motion taken.
 
Think of ways to be physically active that bring pleasure to you.
 
 

Day #7

Today . . .
 
Nothing can be more satisfying as eating when you are truly engaged. First, be aware of your hunger level. Focus your attention on the sights and aromas and textures of the food as you prepare your meal. Before eating, take a moment to acknowledge that your meal is there to nourish you.
 
When you take a bite, really taste your food. Eat slowly, savoring each flavorful bite. Appreciate the way the food begins to fuel your body. Stop eating when you feel physically content.
 

 
 
Try this mindfulness experiment for seven days, concentrating on one enlightening task each day. Then begin incorporating what you have learned during the week into your daily rituals on an ongoing basis.
 
 
Have you tried any of these mindfulness techniques in the past? Please leave me a comment below and tell me about your experience. And, if you found this post inspiring or useful, please share it! You can also subscribe below to get my studio notes delivered directly to your email inbox.
 
 
 
 
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