MINDFUL MANDART MOMENTS... #8 "Presence"
WISDOM AT THE CROSSROADS PODCAST.
This episode shares a breath of fresh air and the story of a journey to presence where we notice the little things in the natural world…
This is the 8th instalment of the Mindful Mandart Moments Series. This group of ten episodes within the Podcast are bringing the meditation to the foreground to help us out with a little self care pause.
This prairie detail is an old one. It comes from a painting on paper in acrylics and chalk pastel from the earliest days of my studio practice. The process now, as it did then, got me quiet and into the present moment. The image, the result of that creative pause, hints at the potential elemental magic that might exist deep within the layers of these prairie flatlands.
TAKING A BREAK…This episode evolved out of a mid summer moment when I needed to press the pause button for myself even though I was reluctant to do so.
The meditation in this MINDFUL MANDART MOMENT is a guided journey to an incidental green space dappled in pockets of sunshine.
Todays self care break is all about allowing ourselves an opportunity to pause and spend a few minutes, 11 I am told, in our own company, outdoors, because, a) we are definitely worth it and b) time in natural environments inspires a physical pause that allows our system to respond and relax.
I hope you’ll listen in on the recording as we take a short pause seeking stillness and the wisdom at the crossroads where action and presence meet.
This snapshot illustrates a literal crossroads at the corner of Ponemah road and highway 9 on the prairies in lake country, Manitoba.
In this episode…
We get out of our own way as we continue our travels on this meditative journey. We can all benefit from a virtual break in a natural environment. This one was a reminder for me that even though I might say, “I’m ok”, “everything’s fine”, I too sometimes need to take a literal and figurative break.
“Pause, take a breath, and a few minutes outside to witness the delicate balance of stillness in action”
Mindful Moments are designed to bring us back to the present.
You might imagine shimmering light like this as you listen in. From my side yard when I got quiet I could hear the action of lake water rolling gently onto the sand by the pier.
Inspiration…
To pause is a gift we give to ourselves. It can be as simple as taking in a deep breath and exhaling for a literal breath of fresh air, or as extensive as you allow yourself to make your meditative practice.
The side yard at the lake populated by a pair of chipmonks tangled together in presence and the occasional skirmish inspired this visual journey. Watching their antics in and around a precariously balanced woodpile in dappled shade was the stage that set the pace for the literal exhale I share in this episode of the podcast.
In the presence of those stripy little rodents, my breathing slowed and I was drawn into alignment with the pace of their experience.
It was a refreshing interaction and a physical reminder of the impressive impact the smalls in the world around us can have on our over stimulated systems.
In this episode of Mindful Mandart Moments we are reminded of the importance of the intentional pause. When we allow ourselves to step into the peace of green spaces just outside our door, when we allow ourselves to get quieter, we become more visually aware and are able to notice the smaller movements taking place around us.
When we allow our body to rest we also allow ourselves to experience the world around us in a gentler way. We attune ourselves with the natural world around us.
Above “Prairie Girls” share some elemental magic. Do you see the fairies in the foreground made by unintentional marks?
Finding a place for the eye to rest wherever we are is an effective starting point for a meditative practice. The bunk house deck is a wonderful summertime vantage point to do just this.
The chipmonks and hummingbirds will return with their humorous antics with the new season.
”Find a quiet natural space. Observe your surroundings and allow your system to respond”
As I followed my breath to a peaceful pause in the sideyard I got to witness the delicate balance of stillness in action. The leaf afloat on the surface of the new birdbath above responded to the breath of wind as it made contact with the surface.
Next time you are walking or wondering outside, particularly in mild weather, allow yourself permission to pause within the natural world whatever that looks like where you are.
The end of January where i live is cold. darn cold!
The weather might not invite us outdoors to languish in the yard for an extended period of time right now so the guided meditation makes for an effective seasonal substitute. Try it out, you just might like it. You might also be inspired to take yourself to an incidental greenspace where you live to so see what smalls will entertain you with their curiosity and presence.
“Notice haste, ease”
Which brings us to the end of this post…
Thanks for tuning in to this episode on the player inset above or anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Time is valuable and I really appreciate you spending some of your precious time with me. I am grateful to have you with me, complimenting your own meditative practice by joining in with my examples.
If you are finding something that resonates for you on this podcast or blogpost please feel free to Invite a friend to join in on this free, weekly, self care project.
I hope you’ll return to WISDOM AT THE CROSSROADS PODCAST often to pause and reflect on your personal journey toward mindfulness. Together we’ll seek wisdom at the crossroads where action and presence meet.
Until next time, Amanda xoxo