Just Be

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the need to "get things done", accomplish enormous tasks, or even just "stay busy"? Have you ever asked yourself, "why?"

Many of us have a tendency to be less than content with our current status, no matter how much we have actually accomplished any given day or even over the span of years. We are always pondering the next step, attempting to plan and to coordinate, often times bringing others into our great idea or plan, while placing unnecessary stress on ourselves and on others we have involved.

Today's society is one of immediate gratification and multi-tasking. We press a button on the telephone and can see and talk to our loved one. We press another button on the phone to send a quick text, while still on the phone with another person! We can even press another button to order a driver to pull up and either take us somewhere or drop off food or other items! We can press buttons and make things happen. When we get tired of those things, there's even another button to press to move us onto fulfilling our next moment with pictures, movies, memes.. you get the idea.

The constant button pushing and gratification instills in us the need to always stay busy or to plan. When it becomes overwhelming, it is a huge indicator that we must ground ourselves in the present moment and "just be".

When we feel like we must constantly press forward to the next moment or plan for the next day, we miss the opportunity to appreciate ourselves, our lives, and our present step on our paths. 

"Mindfulness" is a word you may have heard or maybe have even practiced from time to time. To be mindful is rather paradoxical, because you are actually getting "out of your mind" as opposed to "into your mind".

Mindfulness is not equated to reflecting on appreciating ourselves; instead it helps us to reflect on the beauty, the calmness, the peace and joy that exists in the present. We then appreciate through our inaction. We become less anxious and more productive.

How? How can I not plan, not execute, but become more productive?

A mind at rest is able to reset.  A mind at rest is able to look at a hummingbird suspended in the air while sipping on the delicious nectar of a beautiful flower. A mind at rest is able to hear the still voice speaking to us that leads us and guides us on our journey. A mind at rest is able to take in the wonderful sensations the Creator has given us through our five (six if you're wise- smile) senses. When we quiet our minds and observe the world around us, a miraculous transformation takes place. We begin to have greater clarity. We are able to tap into our peace and our joy.

We learn to be content in this present moment.

We often think that when we accomplish the next thing, when we meet and marry the next person, when we land the next job, when we amass a certain amount of money, we will be happy and content. Mindfulness reminds us that our peace and our joy are already here, already within, not somewhere "out there" to which we must strive.

Mindfulness gives us the ability to change our perspective, to heal ourselves, to replenish, and to rejuvenate. Mindfulness eases anxiety and helps to get rid of automatic thoughts, even ruminating thoughts that cause us distress.

When was the last time you "stopped to look at the roses?" Have you become so busy with thinking that you have lost the desire to just observe?

1. Have you stopped to listen? What do you hear?
2. Have you stopped to smell? What do you smell?
3. Have you stopped to look? What do you see?
4. Have you stopped to feel? How does your body feel? How does your bottom feel in your seat, your back on your bed? How do your teeth feel when you brush them?
5. Have you stopped to taste? How fast do you eat your meals and snacks? Do you take the time to savor them, the sweetness, the sour, the bitter, the hint of saltiness, etc.?

Allow yourself to "just be".We are here...now... and this is a great place to be.

There is an old adage that says "slow down and smell the coffee." Obviously those who have traveled this road before us knew the benefit of mindfulness, of staying in the moment, for appreciating everything around us.

So pick, to start, at least 15 minutes of each day to just sit and quietly observe those things that are outside of yourself.

Sit in silence and just listen. You will be suprised by what you will hear.

You will then see your life- transform- you will "just be'.