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Ugh. It’s been two weeks since I posted anything. I try to post at least once a week, though ideally two or three times. But life is sooooo busy right now that I’m finding it hard to fit everything in. You can probably relate. Work is crazy busy right now (I’m a lawyer and deals are closing and litigation is picking up). It’s the end of the school year for my 7 year old first grader, so there’s a recital or show or event every other day it seems. And I’m training for running and playing in a tennis league. It’s CRAZY!
Which reminds me that I need to take time to breathe and to focus. On the days that I feel like I just cannot take the time to plan my day, or relax my mind, I know those are the days that I need it most. Would you build a house without first drawing up a plan? No. Would you start cooking without first making sure you have all the ingredients? No. The same is true with our days.
There is one thing that you can do each day that will greatly improve your life, health, and relationships. You can do it anywhere. It doesn’t cost anything. It doesn’t require any special tools or skills. And it only takes a minimum of 5 minutes each day. It is mindfulness.
What is mindfulness?
Ask any expert and you’ll find that one of the foundations of wellness is mindfulness. What is it? Mindfulness means being present in the moment and focusing on what is happening right now. The opposite would be distractedness; e.g. while at work, focusing on all the things that need to be done at home, or vice versa. Meditation is the tool that can be used to develop and practice mindfulness.
What are the benefits of mindfulness through meditation?
Mindfulness and meditation create calm and focus the mind, cultivating greater attention and focus so as to avoid being sucked into the multi-task trap. Mindfulness is scientifically validated to help people deal with the challenges and stressors of life. By working on focus and attention, you can manage your emotions better, connect with others more successfully, and become happier and more effective in your work and life. It can change the way we deal with ourselves, our stressors, other people, and life. Essentially, it allows you to remain calm in the midst of the storm, without letting the anxiety overwhelm you and cause burnout and exhaustion.
To sum it all up, mindfulness is a little vacation for your mind that allows it to relax and rejuvenate. The key benefit is the ability to choose what you think about so that your mind doesn’t take you off on a trip on which you do not want to go.
A daily meditation practice, even as little as five minutes, can have great benefits. Give it a try, or get back to your practice if you’ve been away from it for a while.
And ride the wave of the end of the school year right into summer with ease and grace!
Jamie Jackson Spannhake 