Yesterday we visited my parents for the day, lots of fun and laughter was had. A great day to catch up, say hello and play some games.
When we left it was starting to get dark and it was pouring rain. As we got on our way, the rain was heavy and the spray from other cars made it difficult to see at times. There were patches of fog which gave it an eerie feeling like a horror movie and at some points despite having driven the road many times, I had no idea where we were on the journey as I was having to concentrate so much on the road conditions.
With the windscreen wipers going at full speed and the rain lashing down it was a hypnotising experience.
What I loved about the journey was being hyper focused on one task. Had it been during the day, I would clearly have seen the road and each lane. As the rain, fog and water spray was making this tricky, I had to pay complete attention and not look elsewhere even for a second.
It only occurred to me when we made it home – it took us much longer on the return journey, understandable due to the road conditions – this is a good example of mindfulness. Whilst it wasn’t what I set out to do, I had to be in the moment to ensure concentration. throughout the journey.
I am not saying when I drive in good weather conditions I don’t pay attention, but when the weather is terrible, you really must stay focused at all times.
I know what you are thinking and can feel the eye rolls coming, – here is another post about being in the moment and mindfulness, but stick with me as this might make you view it differently.
In our everyday life, we have moments like this. Where the intention is to do something ie get from A to B, but the journey (no pun intended) makes you concentrate and focus solely on that one particular thing.
I know mindfulness is about being purposeful with what you are doing, your thoughts, feelings and actions. But you do it naturally without thinking for many things throughout the day. For example, if you are making dinner and following a recipe or cleaning your bathroom and scrubbing the floor or the shower, it could be vacuuming the house. All of these things you are doing, likely with very little thought for something else in that moment.
Whilst we all would love to spend a few hours each day immersed in our favourite past time where mindfulness occurs purposefully and naturally, it is often not possible. Instead, look for it in everyday occurrences and make this the purposeful act in your day.
For example in the morning, when making toast, Put the bread in the toaster and pay attention to the noises as it heats up, then notice the smell of the bread as it toasts. The longer it toasts the smell is more delicious and moutwatering. Once it has popped up, take it out and place it on the plate, noticing how hot it is. Open the butter and using a knife, slowly swipe over it to get the required amount on the knife. Noticing if it is soft and easy or if just out of the fridge it may take a few swipes. As you spread the butter, notice the crunchy noise as the knife gently presses and glides over, spreading it out. Putting the knife down, pick up the slice of buttered toast and crunch through with your first bite. All the while noticing the smells of the toast and butter combined, followed by the noise of the toast and the taste of it as you eat.
This will likely take you minutes, and you are already doing it as part of your day, so why not give it a try.
If you are working in an office, and you step away to make a cup of tea or coffee, then focus all your attention on leaving your desk, what colour is the flooring or the walls as you walk to the kitchen. Do you need to pass other people? Who are they? Can you see out of a window and notice the weather? How long does it take the kettle to boil, how many teaspoons are in the cutlery drawer. What colour mug are you using? Make every second of your action purposeful. This will help take you out of the hum drum of the day and give you a moments break. This can be a great way to help you if you are working on something you need to concentrate heavily on or if you are unsure of the next step, taking a moment away both mentally and physically can be helpful.
Mindfulness doesn’t need to be something you set time aside for, make it part of your day with the activities you do anyway and see how you get on.
Thank you for reading, have a lovely week and look after you.
Love Emma xx
Wellbeing with Relaxing Lavender 