Does multitasking ever threaten to splice your attention into little bits? When the pull to do 15 things at once comes calling, I try to remember to do four simple things. When I can remember to do these four simple things, I can honestly say that I am present in my moments. That I taste and smell and see and hear and feel with my whole being.
1. First things first: Go outside. Even if it’s cold, cloudy, or raining. There is something about connecting with fresh air that forces focus on the present moment. If going outside isn’t an option, stand by a window or houseplant.
2. Touch something wild—something that is earth or close to it. Maybe it’s a hand on tree bark, or bare feet in the garden soil. Maybe it’s slipping into the icy cold water of the lake on a sweltering day or laying on the grass. Maybe it’s smelling wildflowers in summer or noticing the icy wind on your face in winter. Direct physical contact with nature is essential to wellbeing. It grounds us to reality in a way that nothing else can.
3. Close your eyes. When your eyes are closed, you’re forced to rely on something other than sight. You can tune into the vibrations of a bird as it flies overhead. You can notice the warmth of a sunbeam on your upturned face. You can taste a raindrop that rolls off of your cheek as it journeys toward the earth. Relying on the other senses plants you directly in the center of presence.
4. Blink your eyes open, and look all the way up. Open your arms wide to the sky. Being rooted in presence means cultivating the capacity to take up the space that is yours to embody while acknowledging that you are one small part of the universal whole. Drink in the open sky and notice the way the wind rustles tree branches. Claim your place in Mary Oliver’s wild family of things.
The original post is found on the 12 Tiny Things website, so head on over there to read it. And while you are there, check out all of the free resources available to help you dive more fully into intentional living:
FREE DOWNLOADABLE RESOURCES:
Teachers and Parents: We made a BINGO card so that kids and students could explore tiny things, too.
Churches: Use our Daily Tiny Things Calendar for LENT or EASTER and our 6 Week Discussion Guide for TEENS or 12 Week Discussion Guide for ADULTS
Anyone seeking mindfulness: Try these 10 easy, intro meditations that lead to more rootedness in our life on the go
A Picture Tells a Story: We are thrilled to be featured on Red Bird Hills Photography blog. Take a look at her stunning images!
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Art Cards: Pair our mantras with Lily Banning’s paintings for a beautiful frame-able or mail-able reminder of what is important
Clothing: Shirts, tanks and hats that are oh so soft
Mugs & Aprons: to bring a sense of nourishment into our days
And…of course, don’t forget a copy of the book: 12 Tiny Things: Simple Ways To Live A More Intentional Life
Heidi Barr | Author 