Changes Made To You By Mindfulness

[JonW]

Since taking up mindfulness I've given up on watching telly completely. I just watch the occasional film on DVD. Mostly Charlie Chaplin and Buster Keaton. Also I regularly tuck into the Wacky Races box set.

[larorra]

  I decided to do a different informal meditation tonight and set my task to iron clothes mindfully. During the 15 minute time set I ironed 4 items of clothing, 3 tee-shirts and 1 cardigan and was completely focused on what I was doing, ironing to perfection, feeling the glide of the iron over the different textures, the different feel of each item and the fresh smell of clean clothes. I did time how long it took to do the first item and that was 5 minutes, on a normal ironing chore I would have that done in 30 seconds! I felt pleased with my session , not important not a lot of ironing done but it was completely it mindfully that mattered.

[ken300]

Larorra,

I read something that stuck in my head the other day (it might have been on here or could have been anywhere for that matter - I've been doing alot of reading!) that mindfulness is just doing stuff without doing it on 'autopilot' - ironing sounds like a good idea - at least you won't burn yourself by not paying attention!

PS - If you want more ironing to practice on, just ask, i've always got plenty to be done!!

Ken

[JonW]

More piles of ironing available here in Hove at all times!

[larorra]

That's ok Ken & Jon, hahaha I have enough ironing to keep me busy! But seriously there are so many daily routine tasks that we try to get through as quickly as possible as they are dull and repetitive but seeing them through a different perspective (or mindfully) they aren't so bad after all. Happy ironing guys

[BioSattva]

Thanks larrora, really inspiring. Starting to slow down and be present can seem like we are trying to enact a slow-motion sequence from a movie of our lives at times, but the reality is that we are living our lives in fast-forward!

[MelliOBrien]

Hi everyone, I'm so glad to be part of this forum and am really enjoying reading your posts : )

A few of the more subtle changes I've noticed since practicing mindfulness: I stopped biting my nails and I stopped over eating. Those were the two first habits that I noticed had shifted.

Another interesting little thing that shifted - I used to spend a long time getting ready in the mornings changing my outfits several times and doing makeup and hair but now this habit seems to have faded away. I didn't realize it back then but I think the reason it took me so long to get ready was a confidence issue. No matter what I put on I didn't like the way that I looked.

One of my favorite changes is that I am now more able to listen to my loved ones. instead of being caught up in my own mind chatter (judging what they are saying, mentally agreeing or disagreeing, or thinking about what i'll say next) I am truly fully attentive to them and I can tell it means alot to them. I feel this is an act of love and kindness and adds alot of value to my relationships.

The Greatest Gain of All...

I learned through consistent practice that there is a peaceful state of awareness that exists underneath the drone of the mind's noise - it's always there for me - just one conscious breath away. I've gained a deep unshakable peace that is untouched by what goes on in the world around me and a sense of deep connectedness with life. I learned that happiness is not in things. It's in me. It is my natural state when my mind is in balance.

[JonW]

"I learned through consistent practice that there is a peaceful state of awareness that exists underneath the drone of the mind's noise - it's always there for me - just one conscious breath away."
That's such a wonderful description. And so true.

[Gareth]

I learned through consistent practice that there is a peaceful state of awareness that exists underneath the drone of the mind's noise - it's always there for me - just one conscious breath away. I've gained a deep unshakable peace that is untouched by what goes on in the world around me and a sense of deep connectedness with life. I learned that happiness is not in things. It's in me. It is my natural state when my mind is in balance.

Me and you both Melli.

Check out Melli's superb blog going up on the site imminently.

[AnneMarie]

Yes thank you Melli. Those are very beautiful and inspiring words.