Living Mindfully

“Today is a good day!” With these words I begin my day each morning. This affirmation awakens in me the awareness that when I choose to live in the present moment I find goodness even when there are difficult experiences and sadness. Along with this affirmation I also set an intention for the day. . . being mindful, kind, grateful, positive, understanding, etc. I come back to my intention throughout the day. I know that the present moment is the only moment we can access and I want to live it as best I can.

This past year I moved to the Mound and I minister with our sisters in assisted living and at our villa. I believe the Spirit led me to begin what I call “Mindful Mondays.” Sisters are invited to gather for 15-20 minutes of mindfulness practice. We begin with relaxing and breathing exercises. Thich Nhat Hanh, Jon Kabet-Zinn, youtube videos guide us with some simple ways to become more mindful. Poetry, song, and prayer are woven into our sessions. We encourage one another to live mindfully.

Mindfulness allows me to “be”, to live each day more fully. I am more centered, more accepting, less judgmental, less anxious. Mindfulness graces my life and awakens me to the beauty around me. I believe I gain wisdom and live in hope as I also seek to make a difference in this world.

How about you? Choose to live consciously in the NOW. It makes a difference.

Mary Therese Johnson, OP
Sinsinawa, WI

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