I’m trying to focus on the practice of “being” instead of “doing.”
Admittedly, I’m not very good at it, but with intention, it becomes a bit easier. For example, I went for a walk this morning, intending to get some exercise and a mindful experience
My intention was to be aware of my feet meeting the ground, feeling the air on my skin, and opening my senses to sight, sound, and smell. It was a glorious experience. I felt the air and sun on my skin. I felt the warmth and the coolness as they combined.
I smelled the various flowers blooming; the air was filled with a sweetness that I don’t typically notice. I heard dogs barking in the distance, lawns being mowed, and traffic on main thoroughfares that were blocks away.
I watched a youngster shooting baskets in his driveway. I noticed the wide variety of plantings; azaleas in full bloom, iris of multiple bright colors, a fire-red Japanese maple, and too many other flowers to name.
What I further noticed was the difference between this morning’s walk and others, in which I was plugged into an audiobook or podcast, without the intention I made this morning.
It was a glorious morning. Don’t get me wrong, this “being” thing is not locked in, nor is it on autopilot. It takes focus, attention, and intention, and, oh yeah, action.
