Despite our best preparations, life does not always go as we plan or expect. We experience wonderful serendipities and we are faced with times of catastrophe. We roller coaster through unexpected thrills of joy to moments of draining devastation. But that’s not the norm~ most of the time, life just goes on. Our approach to all we encounter affects our life experience and how we interact with those around us.
I know a woman who decided to bring unexpected surprises for her aging mother-in-law by planning regular “highlights” in her week~ little events to make her days special. One day she would bring her a bouquet of flowers from her yard, and another day she take her out for lunch or invite an old friend to stop by to share memories. As the elderly woman’s eyesight diminished and her ability to experience the world around her began to close in, her daughter-in-law lovingly assured that she could focus on enjoying life. She was opening the door to mindful moments.
Mindfulness brings calm and centering when life is overwhelming, but it also brings a fullness to life when nothing special is going on. It allows us to live in the moment~ to contemplate, experience, accept and appreciate.
A mindful approach changes the way we look at the world. With eyes wide open, we can see things in a different light… Happiness becomes joy, tragedy loses its power to defeat us, and the ordinary becomes special. And through mindful interactions, we will find ourselves bringing “highlights” to those we encounter.
From Rumi, a 13th century Iranian poet:
The Guest House
This being human is a guest house.
Every morning a new arrival.
A joy, a depression, a meanness,
some momentary awareness comes
as an unexpected visitor.
Welcome and entertain them all!
Even if they are a crowd of sorrows,
who violently sweep your house
empty of its furniture,
still, treat each guest honorably.
He may be clearing you out
for some new delight.
The dark thought, the shame, the malice.
Meet them at the door laughing and invite them in.
Be grateful for whatever comes.
because each has been sent
as a guide from beyond.
And of course, through Ai Chi we know… However it turns out is how it was meant to be…
The Sanibel National Aquatic Therapy conference is almost upon us! This 4-day conference is packed with exciting classes for therapists, athletic trainers and aquatic specialists. Join me for Ai Chi Boosters class and a water-walking class entitled GaitWay to Mobility. There is still time to sign up!
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