Some days I feel like I’ve strayed from my intention of trying to be more mindful. Other times, I realize many of the things I’ve been doing to heal are keeping me present. I’m actively keeping the past behind me and the future ahead of me.
I’m not focusing on many of the things that have repeatedly bothered me throughout this year. Instead, I’m trying to focus on the things I have right now, the things that are good right now, the things that should be appreciated right now. My little practice of saying gratitudes over a candle and then lighting it has really helped me. At this point, a lit candle is a reminder of all the things I appreciate at this moment. And this time of year, I see a lot of lit candles. All of this focus I’ve been putting on gratitude helps me let go when I start going back to old concerns. It’s easier to say, “That doesn’t matter,” and carry on.
I’m also not intensely focused on what the future is going to look like. I’m worried about it, and with anxiety, that worry gets pretty big at times. Like the post concerns though, it’s getting easier to let go. I’m taking things one step at a time. Instead of focusing on everything we’ll need for a new baby, I’m more concerned with getting to all my appointments and organizing baby sprinkles. The due date will come when it comes, and thinking about everything that could be done before it doesn’t make it come any faster or slower.
Aside from being appreciative and grateful, I’ve also been more conscious of what I do with my time. If I’m waiting for the microwave, I clean up the kitchen some rather than sitting on my phone. If I’m having problems with insomnia, I try to put on a nature show and knit or crochet. When I’m having a hard day physically, I spend more time crafting. I’ve been working on finding ways to make some housework easier because I’ve been having such a hard time physically and I still have a few months left of pregnancy. I don’t want to find in another few weeks that I’m basically tied to the bed from hip and back pain and all I can do is sit on my phone. I still play several games and use social media a little more often than I’d like, but I’m finding alternatives. Instead of using my pixel art app all the time, I’ll use a color by number book and try to make that time to spend with my son. He doesn’t always agree, but I try.
One fun thing I started is whenever I have a drink that needs to be stirred, using it as something of a meditation minute. I typically stir clockwise because it’s supposed to be the direction for manifesting and invoking. I clear my head and listen to the sound of the spoon gliding along the sides of the cup. And I just listen for any messages from the universe and my spirit guides. I don’t think I’ll ever stay fully consistent on my practices, but the little ones that go along with something I already do help immensely. And sometimes I just have to take a step back and take an honest look at my progress to realize I’m not doing quite as bad as I sometimes feel.
Mindfulish Butterfly 