We have heard it before in many forms: Be here now. Carpe diem. Focus. Pay attention. Single task vs. multi-task. This has never been more timely, dare I say, than right now because we are all attacked and stimulated by so much information coming at us all at once. Belive it or not, too much information coming at once makes people agitated and unhappy. Yes, mindfulness is the opposite of being unhappy. Being in the moment, single-focused and conscious promotes wellness, wellbeing and happiness.
Since this is true, then why are we always surrounded by so much stimuli and so much impatience? We have technology to thank for that. Yes, we need it. Yes, it helps in immeasurable ways, but when it comes to the basic theme of having a happy day, technology has the potential to harm.
What does this have to do with weight loss and living a better, healthier life? Well, in order to make good choices about the day, the food, the dinner to be enjoyed later tonight, we have to make time to simply plan, concentrate, sit down and focus. Most of our daily 200 eating choices are mindless, and if we are practicing mindfulness, i.e. single tasking and being in the moment, we are much less likely to make poor choices that we regret later. No regrets is a source of happiness.
As a yoga instructor, I teach the body/mind connection in my classes. In fact, this week I am attending a two-day yoga teaching training on meditation. Coincidentally, meditation is what we practiced in our Weight Watchers meetings last week. We sat quietly and noticed the breath moving through the body. By focusing on the breath, the life force, something so simple and something that is available to us all the time, we bring the body and mind together. Focusing on the breath coming in and out through the nose makes it even better. Once the body relaxes, the mind can relax too. This is a life skill that can actually help us enjoy small moments when they occur and help us lose weight too. By focusing on the little things, the daily joys of life, we give more meaning to our lives. We become more aware of what's happening around us, the kind words that are said, the nice weather that is outside, the sound of the birds on a walk. Vacation is always great, but we live at home and go to work and care for families. We need to practice finding joy and happiness in our regular life so that we can make the most of the here and now.
I find it fascinating that by slowing down, we become more productive, not less. By taking a break from the impatience and "McQuick" world we live in, we become more focused and happier. By intentionally and consciously and mindfully choosing what we want for ourselves, we are so much more likely to get it--and to be happy doing it.
Last week we talked about how important it is to find moments of happiness in daily life and notice them for what they are. I was very bothered because my house needed the "super clean." I did it. I took the time, and every time I walk by the dust-free coffee table and the clean corners and shiny surfaces, I am very happy--and contented. I took the time. I feel calmer and less irritated by the "to do" list that was annoying me. Simple, daily, doable.
If life is going by too quickly, it is time to slow the pace. It is time to unplug from the technology and enjoy moments as they come. Time is the meaning we attach to it. It is is going by too quickly--I love this great chocolate cake that I wish it would last longer. Or, is it going by too slowly--how much longer until the doctor comes in with these test results? How would you like to be spending your time? Today? This next hour? This evening? This week? Are you choosing the healthy habits that will lead to the healthy lifestyle you are looking to create? Are you choosing to make time for exercise and a break from the hectic pace? You are in charge of your time, what meaning you attach to it. Attach a message of self care, of self importance, of intention. This will make healthier choices feel easier. It will make the Weight Watchers program feel like a lifestyle instead of a chore. It will make you feel much more content.
Take a moment. Take a breath. Take your time.
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