I think that it would be nice this week to share some examples of mindfulness. Goodness knows we can always use more of it.

Some of the examples from the list below are mine, some are from friends, especially this one, some come from my co-workers, and some are from members of my own family. One contribution is a gift from our beloved 12-year-old chocolate labrador retriever (may her memory be a blessing), though truthfully it was more of a demonstration.

There are many different ways to nourish oneself. Food is the way we think of first, but we also nourish ourselves with peace and quiet, by regrouping and taking our brains off the rail, by being kind to ourselves with time spent both alone and with people we love.

Being present.

Being in the moment without judgment.

Sitting on the banks of your life and watching the moments float by.

Stopping the chatter.

Clearing your mind of the detritus.

Thinking about your rib cage expanding and contracting.

Feeling the breath move in and out of your nose.

Being more reflective, and less reactive (the opposite of impulsivity).

Feeling your entire torso grow and shrink, including your back.

Appreciating the power of stillness.

Taking the time to think about stuff before you act.

Noticing your thoughts and feelings and not identifying with or acting on them.

Being a dog.

Appreciating the rarefied air of nowhere.

Sitting in your space and taking in everything that’s going on.