Weekly Mission

This week's mission comes from guest blogger Jeri, who's having a wonderful time in her vegan playground. I love Jeri's warm, wise, and welcoming spirit. It's also nice to see an example of how someone can blend their spirituality with their passion for healthy, humane, eco-friendly living.

Her words come at a perfect time as we savor the last bit of summer and start gearing up for an active fall season.

You take a bite of your favorite main dish and you can't stop yourself from closing your eyes and saying "mmm." You just have to chew it ever so slowly so you can savor every bit of that awesome flavor. That's mindfulness! It's being in that moment, taking in every detail, soaking it up and letting it fill you. You hear nothing else, think of nothing else, and even see nothing else.

Mindfulness is pausing and acknowledging what's happening in our space right now. It washes such peacefulness over us. Just sitting on a balcony or back deck in the quietness and noticing the details of the sky or birds flying from tree to tree brings calmness to our souls. All it takes is 5 minutes and here comes the refreshing.

If we're in a conversation with someone, it's pausing and allowing ourselves to really pay attention to what they are saying and not on what we want to say next. It's being here now and listening well. It helps us get to know people better when we really listen.

When we're at a park or out for a walk it's a conscious awareness our surroundings. My favorite time is when kids are out playing. The laughter of children is said to boost our health. I find myself laughing along with them.

Shadow, our bully/retriever, is an awesome example of mindfulness. I love to be with him as he stops and smells around for awhile, checks things out and then lets us know he wants to move on. He loves to stop at trees. We'll run from one tree to another, but at each tree we "pause" and let him take it all in. By the time we get home, he's one satisfied 50-pound doggy. He's fulfilled and plops for a nap.

Mindfulness is nourishment to our souls and rest for our bodies. Try it! You'll wonder how you ever lived without it and will find yourself completely addicted.

Live, love, and rock your mindfulness.
Jeri

Jeri is a "life" chaser in search of the truth. She has become an activist through her writing - sharing God's love and balanced, sustainable living. Her down to earth, fun-loving style of writing brings smiles to those who read what she has to share. She's married to her best friend David, parents of 2 adult sons, and pet parents to Shadow, their rescued pit-bull/retriever.