It's the little things that take only a minute that set you on a path of peace.
“In today’s rush, we all think too much — seek too much — want too much — and forget about the joy of just being.” ~Eckhart Tolle
Stunning Sunsets
While putting away dishes in the kitchen, I noticed a golden glow coming through the windows. I suddenly stopped what I was doing and ran out onto the patio. I saw a sensational stunning sunset. It only took a minute to be awestruck. It only took minutes before it began to melt away into the twilight. If I hadn't stopped for a minute, I would have missed it. It only took a moment to be mindful. In that moment it felt like the whole world stopped as I breathed in the panoramic view. In that moment, nothing else seemed to matter. I was at peace. Ahhh, perfect peace.
Then it dawned on me that mindfulness is being intentional about capturing moments. Moments that only take minutes to settle our minds. Moments to breathe in and out. Moments to pause as we are awe struck by beauty in nature. Just a minute. That's all it takes. Start with a minute and that minute will lead to another as you begin to be at peace with yourself and the world.
What is it that brings you a sense of peace?
Relish it. Plan a minute for it. Be intentional about making mindful minutes a habit.
The following are a few things that bring me peace and settle my mind in just a minute.
Petting puppies
Hugging my purring furry friends, my cats
Listening to a bubbling fountain
Watching the flickering flame of a fire. (A fire pit, fire place, or candle works for this.)
Seeing the sunrise
Fixing my gaze on a flower
Writing three things in which I'm grateful for in my journal
Sitting in the sun breathing in and out slowly with my eyes closed
Hugging my family members
Listening to music
I'm pretty sure you can add many of your own to this list and I hope you do. Mindfulness matters. It truly only takes a minute. However, that minute reaps dividends of peace producing joy in your life.
Let's be just a little bit better today than we were yesterday.
Pamela