gina drellack

Mindfulness at play

Posted on September 1, 2021     1 Comment

When I was a kid,

I remember my mom

cleaning house furiously

and midway through,

sitting down in the living room

on the cracked

naugahyde couch

with a cup of hot coffee

and a lit cigarette,

falling silent,

staring into

space.

This was my introduction

to meditation.

Geri Wilimek, We Sit

Meditation cushions, classes, and structured events are great. They provide a framework as we turn toward mindfulness. What are some other ways we might also pause with intention?

Go for a walk (without earbuds). Listen to the rain on the roof (with the TV off). Spend some time in a chair (with no screens or books).

Just be, for a moment. Or two. Be not afraid to just be with your own self. And see what arrives — or doesn’t.

Don’t worry, this is not laziness. Pausing is not irresponsibility. No worries that we’ll turn into slackers. But dare I say there might be a lesson in here for me about standing down, about finding balance?

Attention. Intention. Application. Reflection. Introspection. Contemplation. Intervention. Suspension. Perception. Ascension.

Meditation.

Foundation.

Welcome home.

How might a moment of mediation look, today? I will practice being present while brushing my teeth. What will you try?