IMPORTANT MOMENTS

When it comes to managing the five major resources we have available to us in this modern world, we’d probably like to think that we do okay, wouldn’t we?  However, that might not always be the case.  For example, the means we call time is usually something for which we feel a scarcity and would like to use better.  So, if we changed what we do with the important moments we have, what would result?

For example, instead of using the first minute of the day to jump out of bed when the alarm rings and rush about, we could do something different.  We could employ it to attain stability by noticing and focusing on the breath coming in and out of our nostrils.  Second, to combine this concentration with our attention to scan our bodies inside and out from the top of our head to the tip of our toes.  Then, to observe our entire being while smiling and saying “thank you” repeatedly as if we’ve met an old friend (the act of smiling changes the emotions in our inner self—try it).  Last, we get out of bed in a better frame of mind, well focused, feeling refreshed, and more capable of meeting and engaging our day.

Of course, this short, but valuable little process, can be applied in other situations as well.  If it involves education, it can be used by students in the minute before starting exams.  If it concerns parenting, it can be employed before disciplining children.  If it has to do with work, it can be utilized before making important decisions or meeting with difficult clients.  If it pertains to recreational activities, for example, golf, it can be used just before putting, teeing off, or making a short or long drive.

The benefits are gratifying to say the least.  Focusing helps improve clarity and the strength of concentration while invoking a moment to hear and silence harmful internal dialogue; moreover, it provides a base for the next two steps.  Combining such intensity with our attention lets us see and balance the feelings, emotions, and thoughts we might be experiencing so that we might develop some insight and wisdom regarding a situation and respond instead of react.  Smiling on the effects of the previous two steps, along with saying “thanks” repeatedly, creates a feeling of kindness and gratitude in our body that has an immediate and beneficial outcome upon any action in which we are involved.  For example, offering a hand of security to someone who has felt isolated, lessening our fears upon waking or going to sleep, or creating confidence in the minds of others.  Time, in some instances, might even be saved as a result of not having accidents or making horrible mistakes.

Changing what we normally do for something thoughtful and out of the ordinary could just be the modification we’d like to keep.  It’s a short little process, but given the opportunity of practice, it affects some really memorable and valuable results.  Also, the benefits I’ve mentioned here are but a few of the many that actually exist.  So why not take advantage of the important moments you have to live more peacefully and wisely and happier!