We gain an understanding of our surroundings through our sense organs. It helps us to make sense of things and react appropriately. But how much do we use them to become aware of what is going on around us? We are so often engrossed in our virtual worlds, that we fail to notice what is happening around us.
Sometimes our thoughts do not allow us to attend to our surroundings. When we go out for a walk, our minds are so filled with thoughts that we miss the smells, the sounds and sights around us. If at work, your mind is on holiday, you have lost your presence at work. If you are on a holiday with your family and your mind is at work – again you have lost out on a part of your life. You keep losing parts of your life because you were never present with them.
When we consciously attend to something it brings us back to the present moment. We could be having thoughts, experiencing emotions or having sensations. We experience life when we are present with all of these experiences – physical, emotional or psychological. When we engage with them mindfully, we don’t judge them and are more compassionate to ourselves.
But being mindless is a natural phenomenon. It happens to everyone. And the good news is you can learn and train to be present with your thoughts, emotions and sensations. When you practise by being kind to yourself, you savour your little moments. And that is what we are going to be learning in the coming weeks.
Click on the audio link below to practise a short guided meditation.
Bell The Mind 