The Practice of Mindfulness

Dear Timmy,

In a previous letter, I have revealed to you one of my problems.  I'm a chronic procrastinator.  I am actively trying to deal with this problem and I thought it would be good to share with you some of the remedies that I have stumbled upon that can help fix the problem.  Today,  I share with you the practice of mindfulness.  If you try to research what it is -- you find out that the concept of Mindfulness is something that is rooted in the teachings of Buddha and Enlightenment.  From the book: "Procrastination: Why you do it and What to Do About it Now" - one definition of Mindfulness that made a lot of sense in my mind is the following: 

Mindfulness refers to "paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, and non judgmentally."

In today's world, practicing mindfulness is especially difficult - given the many things that can get us distracted.  Growing up - I actually took pride over my supposed ability to study and watch TV at the same time.  As I became an adult,  I found myself thinking of that experience and I tell myself that if I can't get two things at the same time --- then I am not trying hard enough.  The problem of course is that when I try to do more than one thing at a time, I end up not doing any of them well.

The other problem that I encounter when I have to accomplish something is that I end up thinking about other things, while I do it.  So from the outside - it seems like I'm not multi-tasking.  But the truth is - for example - when I started to learn how to play golf,  in every stroke - I end up thinking of the tasks that I have not completed.  Or I daydream of the day that I would be good at golf.  When I do this - I end up not doing it well. 

Staying in the present - and practicing mindfulness requires focusing on the activity that you currently are doing.  If there are thoughts that come - you can let go of them and acknowledge them as just thoughts - don't dwell on it.   Instead - observe the input that your different senses feed your brain.  I tried practicing this - even for five minutes at a time - when I eat, while driving, while writing this blog.   The great thing about experiencing it even for five minutes - I realize that the food tastes better and I find that eating itself becomes enjoyable.  The same is true for driving and writing my blog.

One activity that this was especially helpful was when I picked up golf lessons.  I wrote earlier that my previous experience of trying to play golf is not that enjoyable because I could not concentrate on the task at hand and I end up not playing well.  While I was doing my lessons - I paid attention to everything.  I paid attention to how my hands grip the golf club.  I pay attention to my stance.  I pay attention to the instructions that my instructor was giving - then I execute.  There are moments I don't do it well - which is fine because I'm so tuned to the activity that I knew instinctively what adjustments I can make.  The great thing about this - apart from progressing well in my golf game is that I ended up enjoying it - unlike how I felt about it before.

Now,  I try to practice mindfulness in all the activities that I do.  I don't always succeed because I sometimes forget - but when I do remember I stay at the present moment.  I practice mindfulness while I'm eating - and I cherish the taste, the texture, and the aroma of the food.   I practice mindfulness while I write.  I don't watch TV while I blog - I just think of the things that I have to write - and the words just flow.  I practice mindfulness when I'm having conversations - and I end up understanding the people that I talk to - a lot better than when my mind is tentative.  And with this - I enjoy and maximize each experience.

It's really a neat trick to learn.  I encourage you to try it.  Be present in the moments that matter.  These days, one popular mantra is YOLO (You Only Live Once). Although I don't subscribe to the foolishness that is attached to the most popular manifestations of this mantra - I think that if you think of YOLO - it will be a shame to live this life without truly experiencing the beautiful moments that we encounter.

With much Love,

The Forty You.