Vidyamala’s online course, “Mindfulness for Women: Declutter Your Mind, Simplify Your Life, Find Time to ‘Be’,” starts on March 1.
Do you often push yourself to your limits? Do you think taking regular breaks would make you accomplish less? Many people live in a cycle called ‘boom and bust,’ where they alternate between periods of high energy and low energy. When we feel tired and unmotivated, we do less. Then, when we regain energy, we rush to catch up on everything we’ve neglected, which leads to stress and exhaustion, throwing us back into the cycle of doing too much and then too little.
This way of living isn’t ideal. Consider the idea of taking breaks before you actually need them. We’re not talking about taking a nap in the afternoon or booking a long vacation. Instead, practice simple mindfulness exercises or take small breaks to stretch while working.
Here’s a mindfulness exercise you can do while boiling a kettle of water. It’s a simple way to take a break and practice mindfulness. Instead of rushing and letting your mind race while making tea, use this time to relax and experience peace. Try to do this exercise whenever you make tea or coffee.
Pay full attention to the process of filling and boiling the kettle. Notice the weight of the kettle as you lift it. Do you fill it through the spout or open the lid? Observe the water as it flows from the tap into the kettle. Can you hear it hiss and bubble? Does it have a smell? Imagine how strong the smell of water would be if you had been in a desert for a week.
Think about the journey the water took to reach you, starting from rain on distant mountains, trickling through rocks and soil, into streams, and eventually to a reservoir. Consider all the engineers and workers who maintain the water network and the people who produce and distribute electricity. Think about those who grow and distribute the tea, coffee, or cocoa. We are all interconnected, even for something as simple as a cup of tea.
When you place the kettle back down, pay attention to your movements. Did you do it consciously or on autopilot? As the kettle heats up, listen to the sounds it makes. Close your eyes and take in the sounds. Check in with yourself. What are you feeling? Notice any impatience. Where do you feel it in your body? Does your breath tighten? Impatience can be a powerful habit.
When the kettle is almost boiling, do you wait for it to finish or do you pour the water early? Try to be patient and wait until it clicks off. Be mindful as you pour the water and focus on your breath.
Consider other daily activities where you can practice mindfulness. Everyday mindfulness can be just as important as formal meditation sessions.
Now, take your cup of tea, coffee, or cocoa and relax. You’ve earned it.
Vidyamala’s online course, “Mindfulness for Women: Declutter Your Mind, Simplify Your Life, Find Time to ‘Be’,” starts on March 1.