Not Sitting: April 21 - 27

I don't practice mindfulness to get really good at sitting. I don't practice mindfulness to get really good at breathing. I practice mindfulness to get really good at paying attention.

Here are some of my favorite activities other than meditating:

• Dog walking - paying attention to Rico

• Teaching - paying attention to my need to give to others

• Traveling - paying attention to the world

• Poetry - paying attention to words

• Hiking - paying attention to nature

• Stargazing - paying attention to the cosmos

• Praying - paying attention to the Divine

• Living - paying attention to today

How ironic to be so busy juggling the demands of the day that I miss out on life. I practice paying attention so as to appreciate the journey. I practice paying attention so as to remember to love. Here's a secret - paying attention in one area builds awareness muscles in all areas. So if meditating isn't working for me one day, I take a walk in nature. Instead of zoning out, I pause, pay attention to what's going on, and redirect my awareness.

Practice

Make time today for an activity that gives you great satisfaction. Create space so you won't be interrupted. Gather all the tools and resources you need to be successful. Focus your attention and fully invest your time and energy. Listen deeply and immerse yourself in the experience. Sense something larger flowing through you as you give yourself wholeheartedly. Notice how you feel. Savor the moment. Hold it in memory for future reference. Conclude with gratitude for this opportunity. Return to the practice in future days and repeat as often as desired. Allow the lessons learned from this activity to spill over into the other areas of life. Practice living no matter what form it takes.