MIndfulness, A Journey

Old Mindfulness.

My mind is so full. I focus on everything, give it equal weight, pass judgements and feel stressed out.

New Mindfulness.

I can learn to observe my experience and not be consumed by it. I can learn to choose what I focus on and how to receive it and not react to it.

This is by no means a "How to be mindful." Please seek a professional (or a book). It is, however, the aha I have had in the last 24 hours that excites me and creates in me an eagerness to try mindfulness out and see where it may lead me and my students.

This is the book that stumbled into my arms at the end of May. I began it yesterday and was immediately SOLD!

I am a passionate person. Celebrating is glorious. But I also feel deeply sad when I feel judged (by me or others, real or not). This has created a pit in my stomach that gets bigger with every passing year I spend in education.

Yes, this is me. It is my experience. It is how I perceive it. 

My new journey begins today. With daily practice in focused attention. (I was surprised how quickly 5 minutes passed. Tomorrow may be 6 minutes.) With a loving heart that forgives ME when I mess up. (I can recognize when I mess up, and then I'm embarrassed, and have a very hard time forgiving me.) With patience and grace to be non-judgemental. 

I wonder what the next 24 hours will bring...