Mindful eating and mindful movement are very rewarding experiences, when I practice them. I feel in touch with my body, my inner self, the world around me and whatever or whomever I’m interacting with. One would think that such satisfying practices would be easy to follow because of the rewarding returns. But, as Dr. May has said, “It is simple, but not easy.”
As much as I enjoy being in the present moment, whether I’m eating, exercising, or living, I find it very interesting how often I’m mentally somewhere else. It’s almost comical. The way my mind wanders reminds me of taking an untrained puppy for a walk. My thoughts can go just about anywhere in a split second…it rehashes a previous encounter, it rehearses an upcoming conversation, it ruminates, speculates, evaluates and plans. As unsuccessful as I may be at being truly mindful for more than a few moments at a time, I’m still reassured by the insights, inner calm, and connection I experience within those few moments, and the lingering sense of well being.
That is why I really resonated with this quote that I read this week by Martin Aylward, “Recipe for meditation: 100% commitment to being present and 100% forgiveness for every moment you aren’t.”
I’m beginning to settle into this pattern of remembering and forgetting because even though those mindful moments may be fleeting, I’ve never been more aware of why I sometimes overeat, why I previously resisted exercising, and overall my life has never felt richer.