Mindful Reflections

Mindful May has been a time of reflection for me. I have thought a lot about why the concepts appeal to me, and how I relate to the idea of being fully present in the moment, engaging fully in what is happening in the environment, and spending time just being. 

I realise I have been mindful for as long as I can remember, not because I was brought up with Eastern Philosophy or Buddhist teachings, rather because of the time I spent with my grandfather. My grandfather was a country bloke. I am sure he didn’t have a background in Buddhist philosophy; however, he was someone who was very much in tune with his environment like most country folk. He taught me as a child to wait, be still, listen and observe. To sit behind the yards at sundown watching and waiting as the wildflowers closed for the night, watching the bees as they gathered pollen on their legs till their knees were fat and golden, watching ant lions build their traps.

Of course I have attended the training and workshops, engaged in the readings to better understand how to share mindful strategies, but it is largely thanks to my grandfather I am still able to engage in that quiet space mentally, to be still, listen and observe.