In darkest times, I learned to pray, asking each day for healing and insight to guide me. I walked with awareness, appreciating the sacredness of all living things.
Breathing consciously, I discovered an effective way to release tension.
In meditative moments, letting go of self, I felt at one with nature.
“What does that mean?” my son once asked me. I invited him to join me.
“Let go of yourself and imagine that you are a part of everything: feel the breeze flow through you; let birdsong vibrate within.”
My then ten-year-old son immersed himself in the experience. “If everyone did this,” he responded; “we wouldn’t need anger.”
Time passes; life calms, and I forgo my daily practice, till pressure builds up again, and I recognize that it’s time to start anew.
(Image my own)
I’d love to hear about your mindful practice.
One Woman's Quest II 
I love to do this!
Especially in my little morning walks. Feeling the morning breeze, birds chirpings, the quietness before sunrise.
All makes my day more special š
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Such good practice!
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Cleansing breathes and early morning walks. Unfortunately, with all the icy conditions here the only mindfulness is being mindful of my steps and making sure I don’t fall!
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That is a reality I understand, lol. Cleansing breaths works any time of the day.
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They do work any time of the day!
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Amazing image and worthy reminders. How lucky I feel to be looking out my window. Thank you for the peaceful thoughts and the brilliant insight of your 10 year old son.
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Thanks Sarah. He is 33 now, but has forever known as Obi Wan, lol.
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I remind myself of the good things in my lifeā¦
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That’s a good practice, Paula.
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….what an inviting/inspiring post–and what a memorable and abiding illustration.
I, too, pray. There is an icon wall with icons painted by my Orthodox Romanian friend, Cornel, beside my bed (the Virgin and Child; Archangels Michael and Gabriel; a carved Christos Rex crucifix). Hanging from three chains from the ceiling before them is a glass bowl with oil and wick that I keep lit 24/7, and its flame calms me immediately in the night, and before which I repeat the Jesus prayer (‘Lord Jesus Christ have mercy…’) and include those near and dear who need special mention–twice a day. I also have an Orthodox prayer bracelet which allows me to finger the knots and say this prayer whenever I’m in a situation making me tense up (like, say, the doctor’s waiting room). And throughout the day, I’m murmuring ‘Lord Jesus help me’, if one of those unbidden memories comes visiting, and it brings immediate memory evaporation, which I acknowledge with a simple ‘thank you for helping me’.
It sounds–when reading this over–like I’m a little obsessive, but actually, we all have our little rituals, and these are mine. Most calming, perhaps, is our little dog, Ashton (smile).
You, VJ, bring peace and joy to your followers on this blog.
Bless you.
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Rituals are important. I love that yours is visual and tactile too. Thank you for your kind words.
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Mindfulness is essential for me (since finding it in my late 40s) but the consistency of practice was shattered when husband retired – now I have to plan ahead for focus time. My optimal “sitting” is outdoors in natural surroundings with no other humans terribly near. (My challenge is to snatch more of the less-than-optimal opportunities.)
Good post here. Thank you. [& gorgeous imagery!]
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Doesn’t take much to throw us off our practice, does it. Outdoors is optimal. Too cold here, of course, but I have a sun room with windows on three sides, so that’s a good alternative. Thanks Jazz.
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VJ, well said. Mine is Yoga type stretching where I take a dozen slow cleansing breaths with each routine. Keith
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That sounds good, Keith.
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This is a marvelous way to let go of stress and tension. I like to walk, listening to music, or I talk to God in my mind asking for help and answers.
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Walking used to be part of my routine, too, Sadje, something I can’t do so well these days. I talk to God too.
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After putting all my problems in front of God, Iām at peace
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My mindful practice usually takes the form of appreciating simple pleasures, the way sunlight streams into an empty room when I’m alone in the house, the smell of wildflowers in August, walking on the beach.
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Just being present in the moment at the exclusion of all other distractions. So important, Liz
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Yes, it is–and increasingly harder to do these days.
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I could feel an inner peace as I read about your mindful practice, VJ.
I usually bang around pots in the kitchen to release tension but ironing (a chore I hate), I find, brings about calm.
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Banging pots! I love it.
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Haha! Cooking works as therapy for me…always. š
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A therapy that benefits others!
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Oh, yes!
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