I have really enjoyed working with some of the staff at Stafflex this year, and one of the areas we looked at was mindfulness. I think we were all challenged by how busy our minds were and how we are so focussed on what we need to do, what we are doing tomorrow or what we must not forget that we don’t enjoy the present. I have been trying to practice what I preach and have made the conscious effort to watch the sun rising over Emley Moor Mast which I can see from my desk. There have been some spectacular skies in recent weeks.
With my professional background being in early years, I have been noticing recently how we often do not encourage young children to be ‘mindful’ and in the moment.
I watched a loving Grandma with a young child at the park recently. They were having great fun, but I noticed how all the conversation focussed on what was going to happen …when they got home … the next day…when Mum came home. It really challenged me that when I spend time with young people and children I need to ensure we enjoy the moment we are in. Of course at the moment, children are looking forward to Christmas and there is lots of chatter about that. But let’s not forget to encourage the younger generation to enjoy every minute of every day. Enjoy the shape your breath makes when you breathe out on a cold morning…enjoy coming into the warm and having a hot chocoate – maybe with marshmallows. If we can teach children to be in the present, we will support them to grow up with resilience knowing that:
‘All shall be well and all shall be well and all manner of things shall be well’
(Julian of Norwich)
Wishing all my colleagues a very happy and MINDFUL festive season!