Paying attention

In this busy, chaotic world, we're disposed to do as much as possible.

Instead, do one thing at a time...with full attention (all body, mind and spirit).

Do it as if it was life and death.

Extreme?

Not really.

Because, if you think about it, doing one thing with full attention is life.

(If instead, you're racing through things as quickly as possible then you'll likely lose touch with reality but worse still, you'll end up feeling that little of what you've done really mattered.)

Blessings,

Julian

Photo by Isaac Benhesed

Comments

Mindfulness isn't...

A label to add to the other two dozen you've amassed. Something to sell as a new productivity tool. A badge of honour. A way to make people inferior if they don't get 'it'. A practice that only finds home in one area of your life. A way to exit from life's travails. A way to talk and act differently to true self. A course, retreat or YouTube video. No, mindfulness is everything. It's life. But not the life where you live on the edge between this moment and the one you're chasing. Mindfulness is now. This breath -- the in, the out and the rest in between. It means above all paying attention, fully. If you need a question to inform your mindfulness practice, try the first koan from the Mondo Zen Training Manual: "Is it possible to just purely listen? Can you listen without an opinion?" You can shorten this to one word: listen. Yes, that's it. Mindfulness is to listen. Listen. Listen. Listen. Have a w...

10 Reasons Why You Should Blog

#1 - Because you can. #2 - You've something to say. #3 - It's a way to get closer to the real you. #4 - To help others. #5 - To make a difference. #6 - To build a body of work that, one day, might ignite a bigger spark than you ever dreamed possible. #7 - Because it's fun. #8 - To learn from others who are prepared to comment. #9 - To leave a legacy. #10 - To connect soul with role. Of course, there are as many reasons not to blog, but if you've learned anything over the course of your life, it's the power of words to change lives. Take care. Blessings, Julian PS. The picture is of Charles Bukowski in reflective mood.

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Now, more than ever, we need to find a way through this collapsing world . Yes, there are lots of strategies, templates and exhortation we could employ but, truthfully, we know in our hearts that if only there was a little less hate and a lot more kindness the world would be a much better place - in so many ways. Then again, the trope has been done to death and look where it's got us. Not very far. Perhaps it is that we've an aversion to opening ourselves up in case we're taken advantage of or worse still. Perhaps it is that we don't feel it. It's more act than truth. Perhaps there's no quid pro quo. (Does there or should there be?) Truth is, I've no more an idea than you why the world is too often riven with a lust for hate when it should be in swoon to kindness. That doesn't (of course) stop me wondering. And wonder I will alongside all those other issues that continue to haunt me. Blessings, Julian

Julian Summerhayes

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