Have you ever watched a droplet of water move from the top of a waterfall down to the water beneath it?
Focusing your mind a single point of water for a sustained amount of time is a wonderful mindfulness practice.
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Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgementally.”
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Professor, Medicine + Founder, MBSR
Paying attention on purpose is not as easy as it sounds. Our thinking minds like to do just that - keep thinking. During a conversation with a friend, have you noticed your mind lost in thought at times?
Do you have a river, fountain or waterfall near your home? If so, make a visit. Pause and watch the water flow. Focusing on a single point of water as it moves. Repeat and continue for ten minutes. If helpful, set a timer.
Then check in with yourself - how do you feel after pausing and focusing on the water?
If you don't have water near your home, try it now. Focus your eyes on the moving water in this video. Can you stay focused for the duration of the video? How does it feel to focus the mind?