This week I would like to share a few examples of mindfulness. Goodness knows we can all use a few more.

Some of the these ideas are mine, and others come from friends, co-workers, and family members. One was contributed by our chocolate Labrador retriever (may her memory be a blessing), though it was honestly more of a demonstration.

Nourishing oneself comes in many different forms and flavors. Food is what I usually think of first when it comes to being nourished, but the truth is that we also nourish ourselves with peace and quiet, regrouping, putting away cellphones, taking our brains off the rail, being kind to ourselves, spending time alone and with people we love. Here are some of the examples I came up with, but please add your own below in the comments section. 

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 cooler breath move through your nose when you inhale, and warmer breath move out on the exhale.

Being more reflective, and less reactive. 

Feeling your entire torso—front, back, and sides—grow and shrink with each breath.

Appreciating the power of stillness.

Taking the time to think 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.

Choosing to be mindful while standing in line at the grocery store.

In addition to meditative practices, you can practice mindfulness with: 

• Massage.
• Planting flowers.
• Doing yoga.
• Taking a hike in the woods. 
• Going fishing.
• Sitting by a fire.
• Curling up with a good book.
• Eating lunch outside.
• Taking a pottery class.
• Treating yourself to a pedicure or manicure.
• Walking the dog.
• Knitting or crocheting.
• Joining a book club with friends.
• Enjoying a cup of tea.
• Doing a hands-on craft like woodworking or painting.
• Going camping under the stars.
• Writing in a journal.
• Watching the sun rise or set.
• Going for a swim.
• Listening to folk music, classical music, or whatever floats your boat.
• Sailing on the waters.