Be Mindful This Spring

Actively Choosing to be Mindful this Spring: How to Make the Most of Your Time Through Relaxation and Rejuvenation

Choosing to be Mindful this Spring: Choices are Everything

As I write  this article on this very blustery Tuesday in May, I’m reminded of the song, “Let’s Go Fly A Kite” from the Disney movie, Mary Poppins. This song is not only catchy, but there’s a lesson in it to remind us as well. The idea behind the song is not just about having fun with your kids on a windy day, but the conscious decision behind it to actually take a break from work and go have fun with your kids or do something you enjoy but haven’t done in awhile.

Taking a break from work and responsibilities is not an easy task. It involves a decision to let go and enjoy the moment instead of planning, thinking, or going over to-do lists in our heads. I’m totally guilty of that. I end up planning everything in the future instead of just enjoying the now. Consciously enjoying the moment is not planning a day trip two Saturdays from now; not saying “I’m too busy”. But just seizing the moment and actually doing and enjoying. Of taking advantage of the few nice spring days we’re given, even if it is windy. Of choosing to go outside for that walk or run you’ve been putting off. Take your dog, kids, spouse, friend, or self and do that outdoor activity you so much enjoy before summer heat and mosquitos come.

The active choice is what’s going to make or break this moment. Enjoy a cup of coffee or tea outside, take a break with that book or sewing project you haven’t had “time” for. We all have time, it’s just what we do with it and make of it that counts. Yes, that seems like a lot of pressure. But the point is, don’t think about enjoying the moment, just enjoy. If it sounds like a wonderful idea to just sit outside and enjoy the sunshine, go for it. Even though we may feel guilty for sitting, relaxing, or taking a break (I’m so guilty of this, ask my husband!) and our brains are swimming in summer plans, spring activities, weekend outings, and to-do lists, your body and mind will thank you for taking even 5-10 minutes to sit back and recharge.

Recharging looks different for each person. It could be enjoying a cup of coffee on the deck with loved ones. It could be going on a walk with your dog, or calling your grandchildren to catch up. It could be participating in a hobby that you enjoy and don’t make enough time for, but consciously deciding that you are going to take time for it, like sewing or playing the piano. Either way, recharging is being mindful of what you need to be happy, and in the process, recharging both mind and body, and allowing you to be complete.

Being mindful and choosing to be mindful isn’t as complicated as it sounds. Yes, it involves our “mind” as it is included in the word “mindful”, but it is more than just consciously choosing to take a break. It’s what we do in that break that counts. The first step is to actually make the decision to stop and look around, take in the sweet scent of spring buds, look at the leaves on the trees that just seemingly popped out overnight, and take that break.

The next step is to clear the mind by being mindful and aware of what is around you. Take a deep breath, breathe in the nature around you, feel the chair beneath you, ground yourself, take in the moment you chose to capture, and realize that you are surrounded by beauty, even if it is windy!

While you choose to be mindful this spring, I invite you to listen to the birds chirping, the windchimes singing, the new buds and flowers everywhere, how happy your dog is while running after the leaves, and take in that moment that you chose. It will become like a picture in our minds; one that will capture not only the feeling but also the memory of what brought us happiness in that moment. This spring season is short, and is a lesson for us to take advantage of each opportunity given to us to breathe, take a break, and take it in. So, go fly that kite and send it soaring!

~Alyson Winn-Lagergren~