This time of year, we could all take a lesson from the Buddhist concept of mindfulness, or being in the moment.
Whether you celebrate Christmas as a religious holiday or not, you’re likely caught up in the festivities and all the rushing around that goes on this time of year.
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by everything: school holiday concerts, shopping, planning events, attending events, deciding what to wear to the Christmas office party, buying tickets for that New Year’s celebration. But how much of it are you really enjoying? If your mind is racing ahead planning tomorrow’s schedule, you’re not likely to fully enjoy your son or daughter’s Christmas concert.
It’s all going to be gone in the blink of an eye, melted away like the winter snow in the spring. As each moment passes, they are gone. We need to take the time to enjoy at least a few of them. It can be a wonderful time of year when, in so many ways, we celebrate the spirit of goodwill, gather together with friends and family and prepare to start a new year.
That’s something to savour amidst all the hustle and bustle for Christmas. And all it takes to appreciate the moment is paying whole-hearted attention.
Take a deep breath and enjoy the season to its full potential: play some Christmas songs: jazz, blues, traditional, it doesn’t matter what denomination; put your feet up and enjoy the taste of a hot cocoa while forgetting all the things you have to do. Don’t worry, they’ll still be there when you need to work on them.
Most of all, really be there with your loved ones. Put your phone down and fully share with them those moments that will never come again. Mindfulness is not just for yourself; it’s also for the people around you.
