I love simple daily tasks. Those small rituals that sometimes go unnoticed. The process of making coffee. The feeling of a shower. Looking out the window before leaving my home to see what the sky looks like. Putting exactly enough laundry detergent in the washer. Eating just the right amount for lunch. Putting one foot in front of the other as I walk down the street. Putting on the most comfortable clothes when I come home at the end of the day.
All of these are things people do every day. But what I’m interested in is slowing down just one or two degrees in the process so that I can really notice what’s happening–so that I can be more mindful.
It’s easy to rush down the street and be totally caught up in thought. But if you slow down just a pace or two, you can actually feel your feet on the sidewalk. You might notice the feeling of your shoes that you invested your money in. Whenever I feel that my mind is getting a little ahead of my body, I make a point to slow down. Just by taking it down a notch, I’m able to settle and be more aware of my surroundings. I may notice something I would have otherwise missed. I may be able to say hello to someone who I would have just passed by.
And by allowing myself to slow down and tune into what feels just right for me at whatever time it is, I can bring mindfulness with me wherever I am.
So, give it a try. Pick one thing in your day and slow it down. Choose one task that you tend to rush through and give yourself time to enjoy it, time to notice it. It may be eating a meal, or picking out some clothes to wear, or setting up your home at the end of the day with low lights and blankets, giving yourself time to rejuvenate.
Mindfulness is always available. It only takes slowing down a bit to notice.
