Stop and Smell the Flowers
And a quick meditation if you are short are on time
Hello.
Our attention spans are getting shorter. Maybe it’s the effects of so many inputs bombarding us at all times — the constant stream of emails, messages, texts, and requests coming at us all day, every day, some wanted, some not. It seems we have gotten into the habit of spending less and less time with things we used to enjoy. So many of us are always in a rush.
Beyonce released her new record at midnight on Thursday and there was some backlash against people who had posted their thoughts on it by early Friday morning. I’m not talking about the press, or people who get advance copies. I am talking about those who listened for the first time in the wee hours of the night and posted their thoughts on social media, wanting followers to know they had heard the music, had thoughts, and were one step ahead. Were they possibly more concerned with the status of having consumed than with the enjoyment of the recording? It lessens the experience, doesn’t it? It makes interacting with the music more of an item to check off on a to-do list than an experience to immerse yourself in and enjoy. There are 27 songs, collaborations, and much history and nuance to consider. For many of us, cursory consumption has become the way of the world.
One of my favorite things about meditation is the first few moments when I sit down and observe. I often discover that I am carrying some tightness caused by stress in my body or holding onto a thought in my mind. Often I realize that I have become so accustomed to these states that I had not even noticed them. Meditation allows me to slow down and notice. Then I can release tension, detect habits, and proceed more mindfully. Having a consistent meditation practice helps do this in real-time too.
In the spirit of our busy lives, this week’s audio meditation is only five minutes long, so if you are short on time, this week’s meditation might be a good option. Let’s get to it below.
Subscribers, did you know you have access to all past posts? You can go back and listen to a favorite meditation at any time. They are archived and always available for you.
Thanks for stopping by. See you back here next week!
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Center Yourself - 5 Minute Meditation
Have a great day!