Mindfulness

Mindfulness is something I think about a lot, which is kind of ironic when you think about it. I mean, I’m basically saying that I spend a lot of time thinking about being present in the moment, which kind of seems like the exact opposite of actually living in the moment. For the purposes of this blog, I do want to focus on being mindful, but in a more broad, sweeping sense.

To me, mindfulness is going to mean having as many meaningful personal interactions as I can this year. The summer is going to be a huge focal point for me in terms of personal interactions because I am spending 10 weeks traveling around to see my family in the lower 48 states. Then, in August, I’ll be heading back for another 8/9 months of isolation in the village. While in the village, I will still spend my time working on those relationships, there just aren’t opportunities for in-person interactions with my parents or immediate family (we do FaceTime often though!). In the village, those relationships are instead with my husband, my dogs, my students, and the community.

Another big piece of the mindfulness puzzle for me is the aspect of living authentically. Mindfulness, in my opinion, should carry over into how you live your life, which for me is living simply and kindly. Whether that is being mindful of the waste I create in my home, or being mindful of the charities I choose to support, or just being mindful in my everyday interactions and conversations with people.

I don’t want this project to turn into forced simplicity, so I’m not really setting a goal. It’s more just a way for me to remember to take the time to enjoy the little things. I’d like it to be more of a reminder to myself to slow down occasionally and not get so caught up in the stress from work or life. A reminder to celebrate the little things that happen every day, while finding ways to incorporate them into living a more simple existence.


Tell me, tell me...