Take a moment, sit quietly, and breathe deeply.

  As you think about Mindfulness, notice the

rapid fire activity in your mind.  When you take the "rapid fire" thinking and attempt to quiet it,
what happens?

As I try to force myself to sit quietly and breathe deeply, I find my brain putting thoughts in my
head about the day, what needs to be done, the next day, and work. I noticed that my eyes
were closed but almost had a flutter to them from one thought to the next. As I try to quiet the
rapid-fire activity, I feel like I am fighting a losing battle. I am easily distracted by little sounds.
Having a large family, I do not find my house to be quiet, so I was distracted by footsteps up the
stairs, the sound of the microwave, dogs barking, etc. After about 5 minutes, I did find that I
was a bit calmer but not in a completely meditative state.

Something new that I have tried recently is a float spa. This is the first place and time I was able
to meditate. Laying in a mixture of water and medical-grade magnesium allows your body to
relax and float. It is excellent for reducing stress and pain and laying in the water I have
experienced being in the moment. I was able to release my thoughts. I have even fallen asleep.

What has prompted the current interest in Mindfulness in the workplace?

Societal exhaustion and stress. Through the research of Mindfulness, this technique is helping
with the treatment of stress, anxiety, depression. It is used to heal veterans and transform
classrooms. It is assisting with our physical and psychological wellbeing. It also helps with
improving memory.

Can you see any benefits for yourself in practicing Mindfulness?  If so, what benefits come to
mind? 

Yes. It reminds me of an old saying, “Leave your bags at the door.” I have to admit I am very
addicted to my mobile phone and members of my family (husband, teenage kids). The cell
phone allows me to be in so many places at once that I find it challenging to be in the moment
enjoying my thoughts or others around me. When I think of the benefits of practicing
mindfulness, I think of my family, and all the cherishable moments we have without electronics.
Then I think about how many missed opportunities we have allowed not being in the moment.
The 60-minute video referenced Google employees and how they use mindfulness to be more
innovative. Mindfulness is so impactful that they offer free lessons.