As we navigate the whirlwind of daily life, where the demands are endless and the pace relentless, finding moments of peace can seem like an elusive dream. Yet, amidst the chaos, there is a disguised dimension that when touched and connected with, can transform the very fabric of daily life.
You do not need to go on a month long meditation retreat or make any sudden, dramatic changes, this calmness can be found through small, intentional and consistent acts of mindfulness. Mindfulness can often be misunderstood as this type of practice that required complete quiet and stillness. Sure it’s nice when/if we can find these moments of rest and refuge but life doesn’t really offer up many of these, does it? Therefore, let’s focus on the type of mindfulness that can help when we’re trying to get the kids off to school on time, make it to work on time and be a loving, caring mother all at the same time.
I like to call this mindfulness, motherly mindfulness. As it really does take care of everything. All it requires is for you to be a curious witness of everything that is going on around and within for a moment or two now and then.
When everything is screaming for your attention, rather than responding to all the demands, just witness it all for a moment with a wondrous curiosity. All the sounds, sights and feelings that are happening in that very moment. Without trying to fix or solve anything. Just be really curious about everything. At first, this will feel strange. as you’re so used to just responding to everything. You may even feel a little guilty but as mentioned, it’s just a moment of you doing this. A few seconds of you just witnessing everything unfolding around you.
What these moments do is allow your mind to shift into a different stat. A state that us very restful and restorative for the mind. Also known as the mindful state. Where instead of being caught up and overwhelmed with everything that is happening, you are just witnessing it all for what it is. Observing the chaos without trying to fix, solve or change anything.
The more of these motherly mindfulness moments we can find throughout the day, where we are just observing what is is, without truing to control anything, the more we begin to realise that we are more than our emotions. That calmness can be found in chaos. All it takes is small moments of perspective.
Remember we’re not trying to solve anything in these moments and yes that screaming child is going to be there, but just for a moment you’re caught up amongst it all, you’re above it and that makes the difference.
Lastly, remember to also cut yourself some slack. You’re not alone in this. There’s a whole community of mums out there who understand what you’re going through. Reach out to them for support and encouragement whenever you need it.
Luke McLeod has become one of Australia’s most popular thought leaders and practitioners in mindfulness and meditation. Luke is the founder of The Mindful App, Soul Alive, with thousands of members worldwide and the author of newly release book, Everyday Enlightenment.