A GOAL OF MINE:: BEING MINDFULLY PRESENT

I recently started reading Hand’s Free Mama (Sarah’s recommend!), and you guys…it’s so good.

I’ve only made it through half of the book so far (its on sale for ninety nine cents for the ebook edition right now so snatch it up!), but I have been endlessly challenged, inspired, and motivated. The author describes how her life had become a series of to-do lists, emails, phone calls, appointments, committees, etc. etc. etc. The book and the “hands free” movement came from a moment of epiphany when she realized that she was missing some of the sweetest things in life by allowing her schedule and other distractions to dictate her life. She was missing small moments with her children, rich connection with her husband, and even time for rest and rejuvenation for herself by giving in to the demands of other things that were “good,” but just not the best. She learned to reset her priorities and carve out “hands free” time that was strictly for being with the ones she loved, free of distractions.

I wasn’t so much struck with the aspect of her busy-ness, because I honestly try to protect my life and schedule from becoming busy or overwhelming. I don’t thrive on busy-ness or a full schedule, and I do what I can to keep my life from becoming that, especially in this season of our family life. But what challenged and inspired me more than anything was the reminder of practicing mindfulness in being fully present with those around me.

I am a distracted human. In today’s world, there are a million things vying for my attention, and far too often I let the petty things of social media or internet browsing or texting and emailing pull me away from the ones that really matter. I never want my daughter to feel like she is hidden from my view because of the screen in front of my face. I never want my husband to feel like he is less important than the ones I’m connecting with online. I never want my to-do list to become more important than stooping down to kiss my child or taking a moment to just sit on the floor and watch her. I never want anything else to become more necessary to me than the thing that truly matters the most:: the ones I am with. I want to embrace being mindfully present, no matter where I am or what I’m doing.

Here are a few quotes taken from the book that are just too good not to share::

• “The most precious gift we can offer others is our presence. When mindfulness embraces those we love, they will bloom like flowers.”
• “At least three times a day take a moment and ask yourself what is really important. Have the wisdom and the courage to build your life around your answer.”
• “I see you. You matter. I am watching you. When spoken and repeated every day, these messages begin to take up residence in a little one’s soul. He begins to believe his worth. She begins to carry these messages with her. He learns how to see others. She learns how to love herself and others…just from a few moments of pausing and seeing our kids.”

What about you: what are your thoughts about practicing mindfulness in being present with those around you? Do you find it easy to let distractions keep you from the things that are truly important? 

I’d love to hear your thoughts!