Sink or Swim

For some of us mindfulness is a natural part of our day. We set aside time to have a daily practice. We notice the benefits. We utilize it when stress, anxiety, worry, or even anger creep up on us.

For some mindfulness is a task on a to-do list. One more thing to check off. A stressor if it is not completed and checked off the list.

For others mindfulness seems unnecessary or even useless. 

This week I have been considering the differences and trying to figure out how to move people from the to-do list and useless camps into a place of noticing the need and desiring the practice.

One thing I feel like maybe I have neglected is taking time to share with all of us a good way to get started.

For people jumping into a pool and just going for it was a good way to learn how to swim. 

My dad has long told the story of being a child and in a boat with his dad. They are floating along in the lake and the next thing he knows his dad is tossing him out of the boat and telling him to swim to shore. This was the 1950's and probably not how you are teaching your children to swim today. I took my little one to swim classes at an indoor pool where they gradually introduced her to kicking and paddling. 

Is one way right and the other way wrong? My dad can swim. My daughter can swim. The end result was the same. Would I toss my child from a boat? No. Does my dad have animosity toward his father for his technique? No.

Maybe mindfulness is the same way.

Some of us are willing jump from the boat, while others need some guidance and encouragement. 

This week I want to share some swimming in to mindfulness tips to get you started.

Before we dip our toes into the water of mindfulness let's take some time to set our intentions.

Our Intentions give us that "why" we love so much in education. Find your why. Remember your why.

All joking aside, having a why in mindfulness can help you understand the need and set a desire.

Why do I do mindfulness? 

• To have a positive mindset. I know that I need to train my brain to see the good, so that I be the good, and I share the good with those around me.
• My goal is to be calm and ready to handle the day. No matter what the day may bring.
• I want to quiet the chatter in my brain when my to-do list gets longer, not shorter; even when I am checking things off the list.

When I set my intentions I also focus on the, when.

When will I do my personal mindfulness?

For me I start my day with a mindfulness practice of gratitude. I reflect on the previous day, I look for the good in the morning, and I create hope for the day. Admittedly I am often grateful for my morning cup of coffee. I am also grateful a good night sleep, my family, my adorable puppy who always has to sit on my lap and is there while I am doing my mindfulness, and so much more.

On Monday mornings I make sure my gratitude list always includes being grateful for a new week fill of new opportunities and new possibilities. I want to reset Monday from dread to 

When is best for you? Someone please want to start the day the mindful way, while others want to close it out to promote positive sleep. There is no right or wrong, only a what works best for you. Maybe you want to start and end the day with a mindful moment.

Making is a priority will make it important and it will become a natural part of your day.

If you do not know how to swim you aren't safe around water.

If you do not practice mindfulness you mind isn't safe around difficult feelings and challenging events.