Day 28 - Week 4 Mindful All the Time

We started out the month by exploring the benefits of mindfulness and lovingkindness by being present in the here and now. Next we expanded the concept of here by shifting the locus of mindfulness and lovingkindness from the immediacy of the breath to ways of being in the natural world. This past week we expanded the concept of now by shifting from the immediacy of the moment to ways of practicing mindfulness throughout the day, the season, and the New Year.

Day 22 – Fall

The world is shifting to a new season. What do you need to release to make room for new possibilities?

Day 23 – Morning

Start the day with mindfulness. Let your morning intention serve as a compass throughout the day.

Day 24 – Evening

Give the mind and body some space as you transition from the demands of the day to the shelter of home.

Day 25 – Night

Pay attention to the natural rhythm of the body as you prepare for sleep.

Day 26 – Days of Awe

Tap into religious and cultural traditions to celebrate the important moments of life.

Day 27 – Dreaming

Cultivate mindfulness whether awake or asleep so as to be always present.

Day 28 – Summary

Mindfulness is a practice to help us discover awareness flowing through us. This is the essence of life.

Practice Options

• Today is an opportunity to review the topics introduced in the fourth week, check out a day you missed, or spend more time with a practice that resonates with you.
  

• We've been exploring mindfulness for several weeks now. It takes about 21 days before a new behavior becomes a habit. Take a moment to look back on the past few weeks. Has anything shifted? Notice any benefits from cultivating mindfulness? Please share. I'd love to hear your experience.
  

• Reflect on this poem by Rosemary Wahtola Trommer

With the Stars All Around

I wish you the peace of sleep,

your breath a canoe

that carries you

toward the next moment

without any need

for you to touch the oars.

How easily you arrive.

Oh, to trust the world like that—

trust you will be carried,

not just in sleep,

but in waking dreams,

trust no matter how high the waves,

the skiff of grace

has a seat for you.

And oh, to let go of the oars—

there is no steering

toward what comes next.