On a recent day, I found myself heading out for what would turn out to be quite a long walk, my main objective being to coax my daughter into a soothing sleep. As the minutes ticked by, my senses suddenly tuned into the wind around me. It was a fairly windy day, and I couldn’t help but take notice. I felt the wind gently brushing against my cheeks, heard its whisper as it rustled the leaves, and watched as it playfully danced in the treetops. It was an unexpected, spontaneous moment of mindfulness, effortlessly infused into my daily routine.
Such moments of spontaneous mindfulness, where we stumble upon a connection with the present, hold a special place in my heart. They are devoid of the pressure of expectation and performance; they simply present themselves in their pure form. And this organic manifestation is precisely how mindfulness should naturally unfold.
Navigating through today’s society, marked by a strong emphasis on achievements and goal-oriented living, it becomes quite a challenge to embrace the converse. Undertaking an action without the compulsion to judge it or steer it towards a certain outcome seems contrary to the norm. In moments of unexpected mindfulness, I’ve often caught myself thinking, “I should make this happen more often.” Without even realizing, I impose a value judgment on what just occurred and subtly set a goal, however indistinct it may be.
Among the multitude of mindfulness principles, one that I find particularly challenging is the art of simply ‘letting things be’. Not aspiring for a specific goal, refraining from passing judgment on my actions or inactions – it’s a tough practice. However, it’s vital to remember that a mindful moment just happens. Full stop. No qualifiers or conjunctions. It exists purely as it is.
Have you experienced these spontaneous moments of mindfulness that simply find their way to you? I’m eager to hear your stories and learn from your experiences.
Sending warm wishes your way, enveloped in the summer wind!
//Amanda
Grounded gardens 