So I am sitting here at my computer (well a laptop that my work brought me), and realized that it doesn’t have MS Office on it. I started the download and oh my goodness I saw that this was going to take a long time!!!
Rather then jumping up and doing chores around the house (well, let’s be honest I can’t even jump or do much right now, but I did take down my Christmas decor), I decided to do an exercise in mindfulness. I used my sense of hearing and decided to work towards blocking out everything else except what I could hear. I did have to pause a couple of times to write out what I was hearing so I could share it with you, but as the time passed I focused more and more on my practice in mindfulness.
I took time to NOTICE:
1. Little bubbles popping in soda can like little tiny fairies dancing inside.
2. The long sigh of my dog, as if he finally fell deep into sleep.
3. A car driving by – a bit too fast – more annoying than reminding me of anything special.
4. The tap tap on my keyboard as I write this so I don’t forget when I share you. For some reason I enjoy the sounds of a “clicky” keyboard; especially when I am typing with very quickly.
5.The computer makes a soft whirring sound, keeping technology doing what it’s supposed to do.
6. A small creak in the house followed by another and then another….it sounds like the house is trying to rest and cannot get comfortable. I know how that feels.
I come back later to write this and I realized as I engaged in this lesson my breathing became deeper and slower; my busy brain slowed down to just the task at hand….it was quite wonderful the calm I felt:
7.The crack of my shoulder – nothing painful, just a shoulder reminding me that yes, I am 51 years old.
8. A dog barking way off in the distance; I wonder what he is hearing?
9. A jetliner overhead – funny how loud it sounds when one is being mindful of only sounds.
As I opened my eyes and began to bring the rest of my senses back to my Self, I noticed again, that I felt calmer and with introspection. I looked at the computer and saw that my program was still installing, so here I am , writing my experience to share with you. I hope you all can take a time to practice Being within one sense (sight, hearing taste, touch, smell). Try to let that one sense be in charge and let the others slip away, if only for a moment. Notice how you feel. You may be surprised at the calming effect this practice can be.
Share with your mindfulness skill or questions. Let’s practice and share our ideas.
Jenny
