Journal Entry: Day 1

 

Consider that mindfulness – a practice to bring yourself to  be present in the moment – is also a way to take yourself into the adventure of the day.

Awareness Prompt:

You might find the idea of a 40 day commitment overwhelming – or you might not be convinced that you will complete it.

 In the treehouse, to help me when I felt overwhelmed by what lay ahead,  I found myself making things smaller.  I didn’t start day one thinking about the next 39 days.  Rather each morning, I woke up thinking only about what lay ahead that morning.  This approach helped me to go about my day with presence and a commitment to each task ahead of me.

You don’t need to be in solitude to practice mindfulness.  Rather, mindfulness is a state of being that can be practiced throughout any day, in any environment or circumstance.  It is about slowing your mind and body to a restful, slow pace where you think only about what you are doing at that moment.

To practice mindfulness, try to feel more than you think. Take joy in the simple things and see each task as a practice – a chance to practice discipline, attention and mindfulness.

 

Micro-action

Learn to track your day. 

• As you go about your day, practice the art of being present in your actions – no matter how mundane. It can be one or more task or activities you have planned for the day and give it your full attention and focus – do each one as if it is the only thing you need to do.

This activity is an exercise in mindset, as much as it is mindfulness and presence.  It is one you must keep with you and build on over the next 40 days.