Day 21 - Grateful for Mindfulness Group

If someone asked you what your most valuable asset was, how would you answer?  In yesterday's mindfulness session, the answer was: attention.  I often think time is my most valuable asset, but I can see how attention fits.  Advertisers, social media, friends, lovers, neighbors, community members all seek your attention.  Google "most valuable asset" and you will see that "gold" comes up first.  (I will not slide into a rant about the gilding of the White House as this blog is supposed to be about staying positive, but that was the first thing that crossed my mind when I saw "gold.")  Google "most valuable asset is attention" and you will find a variety of posts, essays, videos, there probably is a Ted Talk out there somewhere.  

I have been a long time admirer of John Kabat-Zinn and use his meditation CDs regularly.  

And I love his book - 

But today, I am most grateful for the members of the Thursday, noon Mindfulness group at Mac.  Being a member of a group like this and learning together and sharing insights, practices, new ideas, and more, just brings me joy.  That and having just one hour to focus and step back from the hectic pace I have found myself in recently, helps me greatly.  If you have never practiced meditation, there are numerous apps out there - Calm, Head Space, and more.  Need a reason to try it?  How's this:

"Meditation and emotional and physical well-being

When you meditate, you may clear away the information overload that builds up every day and contributes to your stress.

The emotional and physical benefits of meditation can include:

• Giving you a new way to look at things that cause stress.
• Building skills to manage your stress.
• Making you more self-aware.
• Focusing on the present.
• Reducing negative feelings.
• Helping you be more creative.
• Helping you be more patient.
• Lowering resting heart rate.
• Lowering resting blood pressure.
• Helping you sleep better."

from the Mayo Clinic webpage - https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/meditation/in-depth/meditation/art-20045858

So I am very grateful for our new instructor, Patrice, and thinking of our previous instructor, Jane R., for helping me in my mindfulness practice.

During this busy holiday season, why not consider giving yourself the gift of paying attention to yourself?  As mentioned above, there are numerous apps, but you can find videos, tutorials, etc. to help get you started as well as books.  And if you do try it, let us know your experience--good, bad, indifferent?  And for readers that already practice, please do share insights in the comments for others.

Namaste.