Mindfulness, a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, is becoming an ever increasing rare quality and action. Today’s world is purposefully designed for constant distraction and attempted multitasking. Flow, the optimal performance state, only happens when in deep concentration… deep concentration cannot occur if you are multi-tasking. The science behind this.
Bringing your mind and body into the present can be much easier said than done. One way is by adopting an Attitude of Gratitude (Gr-Attitude). An attitude of gratitude means making it a habit to express thankfulness and appreciation in all parts of your life, both the big and the small. Consistently, Repeatedly, and Purposefully stopping, thinking, and realizing how blessed you are. When you concentrate on the good things in your life you begin to recognize other good things and then more good things and more and more…this is the Flywheel Effect.
A simple way to incorporating this attitude into your life is done by substituting two words in your daily vocabulary: Have To transformed into Get To.
An Incomprehensive List of Have To’s ⇒ Get To’s in Life:
- Wake Up
- Go Out/Stay In
- Meet/Be Around Others
- Spend Time with Family
- Work/Job
- Work Out
- Eat Healthy
- Show Others that you Care
- Go to School/Learn Something New
- Read/Study
- Eat Leftovers
- Be Alone
- Volunteer
- Speak Publicly
You don’t have to, You get to….
A great book I read this summer was Way of the Peaceful Warrior. One major takeaway involves asking yourself two simple questions:
“Where are you? Here.
What time is it? Now.”
No matter who you are or what you do, everyone has the same answer to those two questions. You , your boss, your parents, and your dog are all Here and Now. Not being stuck in the past with what has happened- it is already said and done, let it go. Not living in the future with what has yet to happen- your habits and actions today determine your accomplishments tomorrow. Taking a deep breath, Right Here, Right Now.
The below picture is a note taped on my desk at work- an ever constant reminder of where I am and what time it is.
Life’s Been Good To Me So Far,
RLH
