Well, probably not completely. Sometimes it’s necessary; for example, I’d be a much less confident (and much more miserable) driver if I needed to concentrate actively on every little detail of the process.
Here’s the thing, though: this past Friday, I was mentally reviewing my week, trying to recall the highlights…and I came up mostly empty. I know that isn’t because nothing good happened. I can vaguely recall plenty of moments — cuddles with loved ones, shared laughter and music, simple pleasures — but somehow, this week they didn’t make much of an impact.
This, as far as I’m concerned, is not good at all. I want to be much more mindful than that, for several reasons. For one thing, I don’t want to miss the good and important events when they happen; I don’t want them to be blurry and vague and taken for granted. For another thing, I want my day-to-day life to be rich and vivid, and I know that it can be. Then, too, if I’m just letting it all wash over me without examining anything, then I’m probably not questioning anything either, and that means I could miss the chance to uncover things that I want to change.
This week, then, I’m making it my special mission to be mindful, to be in the moment as much as possible. Anyone else want to try this with me?
Spiral Songs and Grace Notes 