Mindfulness

I wanted to talk a little bit about mindfulness, in multiple areas of life.

Let's start off with mindfulness of the words that come out of your mouth.  I ran across a great quote a long time ago that I think does justice to what I'm trying to convey here: 

"Before you speak, THINK about what you want to say.
T - Is it true?
H - Is it honest?
I - Is it inspiring?
N - Is it necessary?
K - Is it kind?"

I believe that this is a great approach to speaking more mindfully.  It's difficult; I can definitely attest to that, especially when you're just "shooting the breeze" (to talk socially without exchanging too much information; possible origin in the early 1900-1910s).  However, when you think before the words come out of your mouth, you're less likely to say something you don't mean or that may be perceived incorrectly, and you're more likely to sound intelligent and professional.

Now, let's look at mindful eating.  If you're one of the many people out there (including me) who can sit with a TV/book/computer/phone/conversation and put food in your mouth without tasting it or realizing how much you're eating, then this is for you!  Have you ever tried sitting at the table, turning off all distractions (TV/book/computer/phone/other people), and enjoying your food?  I tried this a few weeks back, with some gluten-free Honey Nut Chex cereal with milk and blackberries.  I never realized that the Chex tasted a little nutty (Huh, fancy that, considering the name!) and a little sweet.  The blackberries were a little tart, and the 2% milk was luciously thick (compared to the skim milk I was raised on).  I got more enjoyment out of that simple breakfast, with no distractions, than I had from food in a long time.  I also realized that I was pretty satisfied with about two-thirds of the serving I had prepared (Interesting, if I pay attention to my hunger signals without all of the usual distractions, I eat less!).

Basically, this post today is to encourage you to "stop and smell the roses" (a phrase long in use before it's adoption as Ringo Starr's 1981 album title).  When you're more mindful about life, you (and others) will find more value in your actions.  Turn off the distractions and turn on your enjoyment of life.