There has been some amazing work on the brain
changes that come along with mindfulness training, these studies suggest that
the most effective way to dissociate from our anxious thoughts is to focus in
on our moment-to-moment experience. Mindfulness, teaches us simply to observe
our thoughts and sensations in a nonjudgmental way – but this can be difficult
at first, and a little abstract.
One of my favourite Buddhist quotes is “Wash every pot like it’s a new born baby”
It really encapsulates the idea that even the most ordinary, everyday task can
be turned into an experience. I used to
be the queen of multitasking – almost challenging myself to do as many things
as I could. I found taking care of my babies
really challenged this – if you have a new born demanding to be fed then
everything else takes a backseat! Seems
we are back to baby references again!
Now as my yoga practice deepens and I try to
become more present in my yoga – so it spills out into everyday life. When I am doing what some people would think
of as boring, menial tasks like hanging out the washing, I take my time, I
breathe in the air, noting the scents on the breeze, the feel of the air
against my skin. It all seems so simple
but when you put it into practice – just living and experiencing each moment of
your life as it arises, then it does bring a sense of stillness and calmness and
will balance out those other moments of chaos which will still arise in your
life.
