Learning to Enjoy the Journey (Becoming More Mindful)
Up until a few years ago, whenever I would go on a hike or some kind of adventure, I was very focused on getting to the top, or the destination. The whole way up I was just focused on getting there as fast as possible, not really paying attention to what was around me. Then when I made it to the top, I looked around for a few seconds and thought, “OK cool, let’s head back down now,” without really taking it in.
First, bless that version of me. She really was doing the best she could.
Second, it took me years to realize I was even doing this. Even to the point that I couldn’t understand what the heck people were doing spending minutes or even an hour at the top. For real lol
Looking back, it started when I was young, putting pressure on myself in swimming and escalating with the demands of school then work, always having to do more, be more, never being satisfied or feeling worthy. But I digress, that’s a topic for a different post!
Third, making changes… I didn’t set out with a goal of enjoying hiking or mountain-top views more, but I did want to quiet my mind and meditate more due to all the pressure & internal chatter I was experiencing.
Once I began to focus on these practices more deliberately, I started to notice subtle changes, like becoming more patient in traffic or if the line was long at the grocery store.
My experience in life shifted even more once I began to become more present in each moment, not just when I was meditating. By bringing my mind to the present, to THIS moment, it began to open up a whole new experience - a whole new world.
Now I am amazed by even the smallest things, from appreciating the sunflowers on our dining room table, a sunset, the feeling of grass or sand under my toes, deeply savoring a delicious meal, to appreciating the beauty of my friends even more deeply, or feeling the vibration of energy when I’m meditating or fully present…
To enjoying every moment of the hike. And savoring the view at the top for more than just a few seconds. To take in the beauty and magic of this planet and be so damn grateful for every moment I get to experience.
Sure beats rushing around all the time! (What is this doing really? Rushing around, trying to cram MORE in? MORE what? If we're always looking for MORE, we'll never be happy with what we have. Which is the cause of much disappointment, depression, and general disconnectedness from ourselves, society, and nature.)
Not that I don’t have “relapses” LOL - cause I certainly do. But the beauty is the ability to recognize that and go back in. That’s what great about being human.
There are still plenty of things I want to do but I’m learning more and more every day that it’s not about how much you can do, it’s about how present you can be in whatever it is you’re doing.
I’m not sure if I fully explained in words the transformation I’ve experienced, but take my word for it that I’m loving life SO MUCH MORE now. Inner peace is truly an amazing feeling, better than any drug you can find!
If this resonates with you at all, let me know in the comments!
And if you’re like, “Oh shit, that’s me rushing around!” and you’re ready for a change, email me. I have tons of resources, whether you want a meditation, or you’re ready for a big transformation.
