# 10 ways to live mindfulness today.

Category: Health and Wellness

## Post 1 by laced-unlaced (Account disabled) on Saturday, 12-Jun-2010 17:27:06

There is a tradition on the Mindfulness and Psychotherapy Blog. Every Monday, I cite a quote or a poem that is related to mindfulness and psychotherapy in some way and then explore it a bit and how it is relevant to our lives. For me, quotes and poetry can often sink me into a state of greater understanding. So for today, here is a quote by Thich Nhat Hanh:
“There is no enlightenment outside of daily life.”
Here’s the thing. Going on retreats, vacations, taking time away from the daily grind is important and can help us deepen our connection to what is truly important. However, most of our hours are spent here (well, all of our hours are spent here, but you know what I mean). So here is where we seek the power of now.
Here are 10 ways to gain freedom from suffering in daily life
Note: If you’ve heard or thought of any of these before, watch your mind’s reactions. Then ask yourself when the last time you implemented them is, that’s where the rubber meets the road. Allow this to be a gentle reminder.
When awaking in the morning, before checking your cell phone for messages, take a few deep breaths and check in with the sensations of your body.
Think of one genuinely kind thing to say to one person in your house before leaving the home. If you live alone, wish well for someone in your life.
When driving, use red lights as signals to check in with our breath and body. Choose to take a few deep breaths and soften your muscles if they’re tense. Wish others on the road safe driving.
Walk slightly slower into work or school, open your ears and listen for any birds or other sounds.
Practice STOP in the middle of your day.
Intentionally listen to a colleague when they’re speaking to you (mindful listening).
Before leaving work or school, take a moment to look back on the day and note the work that you were proud of and perhaps some things you could do better next time.
Before leaving your car to step into the house, again practice a short practice, perhaps a mindful check-in and consider how you want to be the rest of the evening. If there is family at home, how would you like to be with them, if it is just yourself, what would you like the evening to look like?
At dinner, consider taking a few minutes of the meal to eat it mindfully, bringing your senses of sight, smell, and taste to the meal. Consider all the work (including your own) that brought this meal in front of you in this moment.
As you lay your head on the pillow at night, consider, where was the Good today? For those who are spiritual or religious you might consider asking, where in this day did I notice God?
As always, please share your thoughts, stories and questions below. Your interaction provides a living wisdom for us all to benefit from
http://blogs.psychcentral.com/mindfulness/2010/06/10-ways-to-live-mindfulness-today/

## Post 2 by Grace (I've now got the ggold prolific poster award! wahoo! well done to me!) on Saturday, 12-Jun-2010 18:47:54

the point,
"At dinner, consider taking a few minutes of the meal to eat it mindfully, bringing your senses of sight, smell, and taste to the meal. Consider all the work (including your own) that brought this meal in front of you in this moment."
like a form of a blessing, being thankful.
Then too with all this Gulf cris re BP, yes, real consideration of what all it takes to bring food items to our tables... and like when now having say, shrimp, how long yet may we be given to enjoy this food item...