I came across this poem this week and it aligned perfectly with life lately. I have been intentional about moving slowly, embracing each moment and truly being present. So often we are moving so quickly through life and before we know it days, weeks and even months fly by.
Life lately has included bike rides, pizza, quality time with family and friends, and a lot of down time. For example, I have been more mindful during my meals. Normally, I would eat lunch and scroll through my phone or watch my favorite show. Instead, I am trying to eat at least one meal without doing anything else, but focusing on eating. This creates space for me to nourish my body as well as appreciating the meal that I just prepared. I am truly taking advantage of each moment and celebrating it.
My friend asked me this week if I am bored and I said I am intentionally creating space for boredom to exist. Moments of boredom create mental rest and creativity. When we are constantly seeking stimulation our brains get lazy and leave less room for imagination. As a society we want things immediately and we lose interest so easily. We fall victim to scrolling and binge watching tv. Instead, try to schedule downtime and wander without a destination. Go for a walk in a different neighborhood, sit outside on a bench and look for butterflies, fall in love with the simple things that are often overlooked.
Fall in love with the mundane and find beauty in the small moments that you might have passed by because you were preoccupied with something else. I understand that this might not always be possible since there are daily responsibilities and obligations that we all have to adhere to. Instead of complaining about the demands of your day, schedule 10 minutes for downtime and see how it makes you feel.