As I mentioned in a previous post, I practice mindfulness meditation.
Basically, mindfulness is being aware of the present moment; noticing what you can see, touch, smell, taste, hear and what you are thinking about and feeling without making judgments about any of it. Just noticing it. Jon Kabat-Zinn, who writes about mindfulness meditation, calls it awarenessing, I like that. Mindfulness allows a greater awareness of choices in how to respond to life, though actually choosing what might be a better choice is often where I trip-up.
Anyways, I was watching Youtube vids about mindfulness and this clip came up in my searches. I think that the first three quarters of this explains the present moment wonderfully (I added the captioning).
How mindful are you? Or maybe how mindless? Do you tend to think of the past? Or do you anticipate the future? Have you ever had sexy thoughts about Darth Vader?
A very thought provoking post MTB. Up until this year, I've treated every year pretty much like every other. Looking forward to week ends, long week ends and vacations. However, when I turned 49 last August and realized that I was going to hit the big 50 this year, I've been travelling down memory lane. It's been kind of like grading a report card and taking stock all at the same time. Having a few friends pass away this year probably also has me recognizing my own mortality. Nothing like recognizing the hill going in the other direction to bring you to a bit of a standstill.
ReplyDeleteAnd for the record, no, I do not have nor have I ever had any sex related thoughts in regards to Darth Vader!
I have spent too much time in the past so started meditation and more recently mindful meditation to stay in the present. It has changed my life. Things like todays post are letting go of old stuff that I occassionally drag around.
ReplyDeleteThank you for reminding me to stay in the present so I am aware of the "no seeums" chewing on my ankles cause I have left the front door open for my kitty cat!!!!
Smiles and have a wonderful weekend.
I'm currently reading Jon Kabat Zinn. I like the way mindfulness can be practiced without committing yourself to Buddhism or any other religion.
ReplyDeleteI loved that. My version of mindfulness is called "staring into space and wasting time". There may be some subtle differences.
ReplyDeleteActually this does remind me to look into Tai Chi again.
Darth Vader. You know he was the Green Cross code man?http://www.internationalhero.co.uk/g/grenxcod.htm So, no. I am a dyed in the wool jaywalker.
OMG... I've never heard of, or seen, the Green Cross Code Man!
ReplyDeleteEgads!!!!
All my kinky Darth Vader sexual fantansies have completely evapourated!