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Motivation Mondays: MINDFULNESS

27/04/2015
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“Mindfulness helps you go home to the present. And every time you go there and recognize a condition of happiness that you have, happiness comes.” Thich Nhat Hanh

Motivation Mondays: MINDFULNESS

Motivation Mondays: MINDFULNESS

Breathe in deeply to bring your mind home to your body. Then look at, or think of, the person triggering this emotion: With mindfulness, you can see that she is unhappy, that she is suffering. You can see her wrong perceptions. You can see that she is not beautiful when she says things that are unkind. Thich Nhat Hanh

What does mindfulness mean to you? A few years ago, Oprah interviewed Thich Nhat Hanh, a well known and beloved Buddhist monk, teacher, Zen Master, poet, writer, and peace activist from Vietnam. The interview was deeply reflective and he made many points that resonated with me. He spoke about seeing the beauty of the present moment (Being Present) and how a spirit of mindfulness helps us develop not only compassion for each other but, also helps us surrender our suffering … it helps us learn to let go. We all have baggage that we tote around with us. Some of us carry little pouches of grudges, while others haul around huge portmanteaus filled with old wounds and churlish plans. When we take time to reflect on what is festering inside, we might be surprised to find that much of it is petty and probably founded on childhood hurts. What do you gain from holding on to a grudge?  You have nothing to prove so let it go… move on with your life.

Who is holding you back? Another pithy point that Thich Nhat Hanh, shared was that: “You have to learn how to help a wounded child while still practicing mindful breathing.”  There are many wounded children parading as adults who feel a desperate need to be controlling and do battle with others over nonsense. Their actions are often based on fear and insecurity and a need to prove something by acting tough. But it’s all an act to hide the suffering and the pain. He said that our suffering is the result of fear, anger, frustration, despair, and the anxiety that overcomes us when things seem unclear. If we stop, breathe deeply, and shift our attention to the here and now, that subtle shift will help us adjust and release our fears.

Hey, wake up! The only competitor worth facing is YOU! The road to mindfulness and understanding of others begins with the work we do with ourselves. If we wish to see the world with new eyes and refresh our lives in a new way, we need to practice mindfulness which includes compassion, contemplation and observation.

“It takes a little bit of mindfulness and a little bit of attention to others to be a good listener, which helps cultivate emotional nurturing and engagement.” Deepak Chopra

Motivation Mondays: MINDFULNESS

Motivation Mondays: MINDFULNESS

When you have children, you realize how easy it is to not see them fully, and perhaps miss all those early years. If you are not careful, you can be too absorbed in work, and they will be only too happy to tell you about it later. Being a parent is one of greatest mindfulness practices of all. Jon Kabat-Zinn

What motivates you to listen? Our children are some of our best teachers because they remind us to listen, to own our stuff, and to find that love within even under trying circumstances. Like little birds, they arrive helpless and dependent and, slowly,  they learn skills that help them fly the coop later on in life. Our time with them is valuable and we must be attentive to how we listen and express our love.  They give to us and take from us, and the reciprocity keeps the love flowing in a harmonious and unbroken cycle. When we withhold our affection from others, the greater loss is ours because our bodies constrict and a blockage forms inside our being like an invisible knot. The memory stays in our bodies and we feel this great need to hold unto it, to control things, and to undermine any  perceived competition.  We gain nothing from selfish actions only more insecurity masked by acts of false boldness.

A Story: Be Birdlike and Free. I remember once, while taking photos of birds, that one little bird watched me for a while. I’ll call it the smart, introspective bird. It watched me throw bread to the gathered seagulls and decided that the best way to get full and quick access to the bread was to act differently. Instead of clawing and controlling the chain of access to the bread, the little bird decided to rise above the fray. It flew on top of my car. The bird became friendly and solicitous and caught my attention. For its effort, the bird got several easy servings and, I in return, got some lovely up-close shots. It’s called RECIPROCITY! Others tried to copy and do same, but the friendly and now bold bird had my attention and he was able to fend them off; he was a diligent and friendly bird indeed. He understood that being friendly to the bread giver  and diplomatic with others helped him when more aggressive birds showed up.  He didn’t need to compete with them, he found a better way to get attention and food.

Meanwhile, the other birds settled on other cars, without quite the same reach, and battled each other for dominance over the bread I threw to them. Some people have a misguided notion that the way to the top is by standing on other people’s heads and clawing to control outcomes. It might feel good for a while but they will fall off.  The way to the top is by standing shoulder to shoulder with others and building alliances not alienating people because you think they would/could/might overthrow you.  Like life; it is all in the give and take, the giving and receiving, the out-of-the-box exploring of options. We must learn to be as open to giving/sharing as we are to receiving .

“You never know what is enough unless you know what is more than enough.” William Blake

Motivation Mondays: MINDFULNESS

Motivation Mondays: MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness has helped me succeed in almost every dimension of my life. By stopping regularly to look inward and become aware of my mental state, I stay connected to the source of my actions and thoughts and can guide them with considerably more intention. Dustin Moskovitz

What will you be willing to give up for peace of mind and contentment? In 1995, Jon Kabat-Zinn wrote a book titled “Wherever You Go, There You Are” which outlined the Buddhist path of mindfulness; a way of living in the moment without judgment. With a mindful approach to living, we don’t second guess our actions or blame others for our mistakes because we act with consideration and care and extend same to others. I look around me everyday and hear people talking about their personal expectations and frustrations and what they would do with more; the lottery, the bank gift, the big job or the magical gift. What is surprising is that we don’t say a lot about what we will do with less or how much we will give up.  What we tend to forget is that the me more, me more, me more mantra is like an addictive drug. The more we get, the more control we want and the more … you know the rest.

On reflection, what never fails to resonate is the fact that we carry our baggage and blessings with us everywhere we go and, unless we are mindful, not much changes even after the big win. Not unless we change. Since when did moving to a new neighborhood or buying a new car change our basic character? Will controlling the bank bring you unequivocal satisfaction? Maybe for a little while, then Phffit! This isn’t surprising information, yet some people expect it. Why? What does it take to have a full life? I know it is not stuff: more toys, more trinkets, or even more money. Mindfulness, contentment and peace with what we already have, acceptance of where we are right now, care towards others, and minding our own store will give us satisfaction.  But, we have to believe in those precepts or do the inner work that is required to help us change what we value.

The details for Motivation Mondays are below. Join in! The themes for April and May are:
04/06 – PERFECTION
04/13 – MISTAKES
04/20 – GROWTH
04/27 – MINDFULNESS

05/03 – APPRECIATION
05/13 – COMFORT
05/20 – FITNESS
05/27 – SERVICE

MORE BELOW!

“Writing can be an incredible mindfulness practice.”Jon Kabat-Zinn

Motivation Mondays: MINDFULNESS

Motivation Mondays: MINDFULNESS

In Asian languages, the word for ‘mind’ and the word for ‘heart’ are same. So if you’re not hearing mindfulness in some deep way as heartfulness, you’re not really understanding it. Compassion and kindness towards oneself are intrinsically woven into it. You could think of mindfulness as wise and affectionate attention. Jon Kabat-Zinn

Why  are we not always mindful?  I once observed an incident in which a person selfishly held back giving an opportunity to another friend. It was a classic dog in the manger event; unfortunately,  the person felt by not giving, they had much more.  We can all wonder loudly about what people gain from selfishness and explore the magic of giving and how it benefits both the giver and the receiver, but where are we falling short?  When we develop the habit of giving freely; performing random acts of kindness, we trigger a chain reaction of giving that comes back to us like a boomerang.  The like for like mentality works for a little while and then it feels like handcuffs. When we like freely, we feel the inner expansion and experience the joy that comes from just giving.

Why do we hold back?  Some of us grow up with a spirit of lack. Others grow up believing that withholding from others gives us power. Both are fallacies. What we don’t share or give to others doesn’t grow. It sits with us like a stagnant pond, losing vital energy by the minute. In giving, we receive. In giving, we must also learn to receive. Khalil Gibran, one of my favorite mystic poets, wrote brilliant insights on the subject in his famous book : The Prophet. I remember when I was first introduced to “The Prophet,” I couldn’t put it down. I inhaled every page and detail and then read it again. When we become mindful, we become attentive to our surroundings and how we are all connected. But we must stop and be motivated to listen. We can make our world more abundant and compassionate by seeing how we are all tied together. Our eagerness to act in selfish ways is a sign of insecurity and a need to be right … but it holds no gravitas. In the end, what matters is what we give to others, not what we show others, hold back or what we take.

What Does Mindfulness mean to you? In what ways are you mindful/unmindful?   How do you experience it in your life?  Thank you.

Positive Motivation Tip: A moment of mindful action is greater than a lifetime of forced action. Live with Mindfulness, contentment and peace.  It’s a healthier choice!

Motivation Mondays is open to anyone who wishes to share a motivational quote, photo, personal challenge or a post that encourages others to start the week on an upbeat note.
Basic Instructions: Each week, I will have a motivation word to help us create a response. (See listed words for end of November and all of December below)
Email address: You may email or share your post as a comment and I will add it to the round-up of related posts. email it to: contact(@)mirthandmotivation(.)com
Category tag: – Share your post using Motivation Mondays
Twitter hashtag: – Use this on Twitter #MotvnM
Dedicated Page: There is a dedicated page for Motivation Mondays. It has the same instructions and will include other helpful tools and a link to the round-up
Facebook Page: MotivationOnMondays Join our page and add your post and/or any motivational piece you think will be helpful to others.
Facebook Community: We have a Facebook community forum to compliment the page. It serves as another way to share uplifting posts and thoughts. Please join in and add your voice.

Badge: – I created a fun badge using PicMonkey’s free photo editing tools. You can create your own, use WordPress’ integrated tool on your blog or you are welcome to use mine. (see dedicated page)
Tag: – Motivation Mondays
Hashtag: – #MotvnM

Related Posts

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos: Sunrise, Sunset, Mars Sunset, Bee Lick Creek, Lake Mapourika by Ricahrd Palmer,Contemplation Nature reserve, Lakes, Poinsettia, Forest shots Madeira flowers, Arizona sunset, Flowers, Little Gasparilla Sunrise, via Wikipedia

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

from → Global Events, Grace & Gratitude, Positive Advice, Posts & Photos 2015, World of Books
176 Comments leave one →
  1. Lucid Gypsy permalink
    27/04/2015 12:39 pm

    Elizabeth this is one of your all time bests, thank you.

    Reply
  2. Shabby Chic Boho (@terrishutterbug) permalink
    27/04/2015 3:23 pm

    I’m a really terrible listener so I need to work on my mindfulness. Thanks so much for the motivation and sharing. Those photos are gorgeous.

    Reply
  3. Qoftwignberry (@Qoftwignberry) permalink
    27/04/2015 3:39 pm

    I feel like so many people forget to be mindful of others. Especially with comments on the Internet.

    Amanda

    Reply
  4. Linda Manns Linneman permalink
    27/04/2015 4:03 pm

    Thank you so much for sharing this great article. I really enjoyed it. I also love the pictures you shared

    Reply
  5. Masshole Mommy permalink
    27/04/2015 6:09 pm

    I rarely listen to be honest. I think it’s just the Boston in me. I pick up bits and pieces & usually it’s enough.

    Reply
  6. Fred permalink
    27/04/2015 6:13 pm

    This is not a virtue we often hear about. Thanks for bringing Mindfulness back into our consciousness. How is it differ from Thoughtfulness? – Fred

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      28/04/2015 9:56 am

      Semantics really. We use Mindfulness more because it has become a philosophical pathway to understanding the message. Blame Thich Nhat Hanh and Jon Kabat-Zinn Hahaha! 😆

      Reply
  7. listen2mama permalink
    27/04/2015 8:04 pm

    Always such great inspirational posts on Mondays!

    Reply
  8. Heather permalink
    27/04/2015 8:05 pm

    This post definitely made me reflect on if I’m harboring any childhood grudges. I had a bad childhood sand was in foster care, I’d like to think it hasn’t affectd me too much, but I’m sure it has in some way, I think the good that has come out of it, is that I’m actively and lovingly involved in my kids lives and want them to succeed and be happy above anything else in this world. That comes from not having that as a child. Lovely post as always.

    Reply
  9. Heather permalink
    27/04/2015 8:08 pm

    Well, I had a comment all typed out, then had to register my email on your site, and it was last. So this one is shorter. I think it’s possible I could be harboring some grudges from childhood, after all when you spend time in foster care and run away at 16, there’s something’s behind it, I’d like to think it doesn’t affect my every day life, but I’m sure it does in some way.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      28/04/2015 9:53 am

      It has also made you a compassionate person Heather. You are hard on yourself and you give so much to others… Hugs! <3

      Reply
  10. Kylie permalink
    27/04/2015 8:09 pm

    I love your collection of photos!~ So beautifully snapped and arranged!

    Reply
  11. Rebel Sweetheart permalink
    27/04/2015 8:38 pm

    Being a parent is one of greatest mindfulness practices of all. – So true. Being a mom is one of the best things that ever happened to my life. 🙂

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      28/04/2015 9:51 am

      Same here! I remain eternally grateful for my kids> They are challenging like other kids and they are also loving! 😉

      Reply
  12. Roz K. Walker - Goodbye Boss Hello Kids permalink
    27/04/2015 8:38 pm

    I love the question you posed, What do you gain from holding onto a grudge? Nothing! It just hurts you and your body. Let it go!

    Reply
  13. Roz K. Walker permalink
    27/04/2015 8:39 pm

    I love the question you posed, What do you gain by holding onto a grudge? Nothing! It just hurts you and your body. Let it go!

    Reply
  14. Tiffany Yong permalink
    27/04/2015 9:38 pm

    Your motivational entries also make me want to do something like you. But I end up procrastinating and realise it’s difficult for me to write as much as you and as inspiring as you… But I’m still glad to be reading this every time and be mindful and enlightened, bit by bit, day by day…

    Reply
  15. Christina Boyer permalink
    27/04/2015 10:07 pm

    I love these posts.

    Reply
  16. bri permalink
    27/04/2015 10:13 pm

    I have to examine whats holding me back.

    Reply
  17. upliftingfam permalink
    27/04/2015 10:27 pm

    Mindfulness to me means: thinking of others before I do, say, or think.

    I know that I have always tried to teach my kids how to be helpful to others and to think of others before themselves. My oldest son has it figured out but my daughter who turned 18 hasnt. She just hasn’t figured it out yet partially because she is behind in her communication skills and her brain is still developing. She is deaf and wears two cochlear implants.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      28/04/2015 9:47 am

      She’ll express it in her own way. You are a kind Mom so that energy flows to your kids too. Sometimes we don’t see the work but it is there. TY again for the StumbleUpon tip! 🙂

      Reply
  18. Michele permalink
    28/04/2015 2:14 am

    I have always been a giving person and could never understand why others were so selfish. It still boggles my mind! Being mindful of not only yourself but of others as well is something everyone should try!

    Reply
  19. Anne V permalink
    28/04/2015 3:17 am

    Living with mindfulness, contentment and peace in my opinion can only be truly achieved through Christ. Once you follow Him, those 3 just come to you with ease. What an awesome subject on a Monday. God bless.

    Reply
  20. rsrote permalink
    28/04/2015 3:52 am

    The only competitor worth facing is YOU! POWERFUL statment! I love reading your motivational post!

    Reply
  21. Ling Tan permalink
    28/04/2015 3:55 am

    Great post Elizabeth. So many points to ponder over.

    Reply
  22. April @ Everyday Fitness and Nutrition permalink
    28/04/2015 4:06 am

    This is really a great post! Mindfulness is beneficial to us in so many different ways and can have a significant impact on our lives as well as the lives of others.

    Reply
  23. Crystal (The Imperfect Mom) permalink
    28/04/2015 5:36 am

    I try practicing meditation for a few minutes everyday. I think it teaches you how to be mindful.

    Reply
  24. JessDC permalink
    28/04/2015 5:42 am

    Good read! A great reminded to all of us the value of living in a present moment. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Liz Mays permalink
    28/04/2015 5:50 am

    Mindfulness is something I’ve been trying to focus on more with work. It’s easy to waste time like crazy through a day, but mindfulness keeps me on track. It also helps with eating well.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      28/04/2015 9:37 am

      It does keep us alert for sure… I get more done when I take extra time to be more mindful about the goings on around me… I be most of us do.

      Reply
  26. Dhemz permalink
    28/04/2015 6:07 am

    I like what Jon Kabat-Zinn say about mindfulness.

    Reply
  27. Lenze permalink
    28/04/2015 7:42 am

    Thanks for sharing. We need motivation everyday!

    Reply
  28. franckxethee permalink
    28/04/2015 7:52 am

    I think it’s really important to be mindful and understand others. It would help us deal with them and it would help them interact with us.

    Reply
  29. GiGi Eats Celebrities permalink
    28/04/2015 7:52 am

    We all too willingly forget to be mindful sometimes! Thanks for the reminder 🙂

    Reply
  30. Mommy Mecheel permalink
    28/04/2015 8:01 am

    Just what I needed for today. Really, I mean it. I was touched and I learned to understand more the situation I am in right now that your article helped me enlighten up. Will check more of your article, Elizabeth. I need more readings .. 🙂

    Reply
  31. Melodi Steinberg permalink
    28/04/2015 8:33 am

    Loving your photography. So much yellow, sun and nature. It made me feel happy to read your post!

    Reply
  32. The Trophy WifeStyle permalink
    28/04/2015 9:38 am

    so important to be mindful in life!!! I try to remember this in the blogging world!! Being a blogger I read so many thing and have to remember to be mindful very often since all people are different 🙂

    Reply
  33. Erinn S permalink
    28/04/2015 9:40 am

    Such great images and great reminders to work at what we want

    Reply
  34. Alison permalink
    28/04/2015 10:20 am

    Being mindful I think is something people overlook in the hustle and bustle of daily life. Thanks for the reminder! (and those photos are beautiful!)

    Reply
  35. lovemindanao permalink
    28/04/2015 10:27 am

    this is a good reminder for everyone. being a mindful person really thickens your relationship with the others. It will boost your personality and your social relationship .

    Reply
  36. taylorgilmore permalink
    28/04/2015 10:32 am

    What a beautiful and inspiring post, Elizabeth! Lately I have been focusing on intentionally tuning in to the gift of peace God has given to all. I have found that when I am able to hold onto my peace, I am better equipped to handle anything that comes along.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      29/04/2015 11:28 am

      Same here Taylor… I have plenty on my plate of late and it’s a placing to step back and refresh my faith and hope in all good that comes after the dark. TY!

      Reply
  37. Rosey permalink
    28/04/2015 10:35 am

    It is important to be mindful, without a doubt. As for grudges, I thought I wasn’t the kind to hold one (a quality I really liked about myself). Then I was seriously wronged by someone very close to me, and though I don’t know if it was a real ‘grudge’ I held, I did hold bad feelings. When I finally let those go, it was def. a load off.

    Reply
    • [email protected] permalink*
      29/04/2015 11:27 am

      It does weigh us down… I like that feeling of letting go after a period of anger and frustration.

      Reply
  38. Rebecca Swenor permalink
    28/04/2015 12:27 pm

    This is an awesome post and so reminds me of my son graduating. He is leaving home to go live in the dorms and yes a am sad but know I have to let him spread his wings. Totally awesome pictures indeed. Thanks so much for sharing.

    Reply
  39. Megan Elford permalink
    28/04/2015 12:35 pm

    I have to remind myself to be mindful quite often. Taking the opportunity to really focus on the other person, notice their body language, make eye contact, and really take in all that they’re communicating, without constantly rehearsing my reply to what they’re saying or letting my mind wander. It’s an ongoing struggle, for sure!

    Reply
  40. Ourfamilyworld (@OurFamilyWorld) permalink
    28/04/2015 1:05 pm

    I love your motivational posts. They are so inspiring and your pictures are great.

    Reply
  41. K. Lee Banks permalink
    28/04/2015 1:31 pm

    What an excellent, insightful post – and beautiful photos! It definitely helps to put a positive spin on Mondays.

    Reply
  42. Ann Bacciaglia permalink
    28/04/2015 1:40 pm

    I always try to think of others. I do not see a point to holing a grudge. It will just weigh you down.

    Reply
  43. Amber Faith permalink
    28/04/2015 1:48 pm

    Lovely images. I am very guilty of holding grudges with those that have done me wrong, specifically my daughter’s father. I will never forgive him, but I need to stop letting it consume my life, but that’s easier said than done.

    Reply
  44. R U S S permalink
    28/04/2015 3:06 pm

    Mindfulness is important. I see it as being tuned to one’s emotions, to others, and to one’s environment. It may sound like a small thing but it goes a long way as having mindfulness can avoid bigger problems and I think it makes our lives less complicated. For one, if a person is mindful, he does not just think of himself but he’d also look at the bigger picture and how it will affect not just himself but others as well.

    Reply
  45. Kero Pinkihan (@Kero_P) permalink
    28/04/2015 4:06 pm

    I admit I can be a little inconsiderate sometimes especially when Im am too stressed. Thus i love, love your opening quote. I shall strive to do and think of these upon waking up in the mornings.

    Reply
  46. Page & Screen (@PageAndScreen) permalink
    28/04/2015 5:12 pm

    I try to be mindful of others because of how much unmindfulness angers me. I hate seeing people just being apathetic and not caring how their words or actions affect everyone around them.

    Reply
  47. Raymond Vasquez permalink
    28/04/2015 5:44 pm

    Sometimes, you have to stop for a while and detach. You’ll see a clearer and bigger picture. I believe in regular reflection. I’ve just read this from “The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari”. Self awareness and being mindful would be a great factor for one to stay positive and succeed.

    Reply
  48. R U S S permalink
    28/04/2015 6:33 pm

    Being mindful is a thoughtful consideration that we can give to ourselves and to other people. When we practice mindfulness, we can avoid arguments and problems it makes us rationalize first and think before we speak or act. When we are mindful, chances are we go for better choices and not just act on impulse.

    Reply
  49. Sojourner Williams permalink
    28/04/2015 7:18 pm

    I love Motivation Mondays. Your pictures and quotes are such a meditation.

    Reply
  50. Mario-Trevino N Corina-Ramos permalink
    28/04/2015 7:33 pm

    Love this post. The pics and quotes are beautiful. I’m mindful of things I do, especially in front of my kids. I want to set a good example to them in all aspects of my life.

    Have a great week!

    Reply
  51. M from The Stay-at-Home Life permalink
    28/04/2015 7:46 pm

    The pictures are so gorgeous. I love them all.

    Reply
  52. Michelle hwee permalink
    28/04/2015 8:02 pm

    Definitely very inspirational to me! 🙂 I love Motivation Monday! Mindfulness is definitely a very important factor. Thanks for the daily dose 🙂

    Reply
  53. maggiesblog2 permalink
    28/04/2015 8:20 pm

    I’m not good at seeing the big picture so sometimes I act without thinking it through. Great post.

    Reply
  54. Mommy Anna permalink
    28/04/2015 8:33 pm

    A must read post, we always need to remember to be mindful with others

    Reply
  55. amayachika permalink
    28/04/2015 8:48 pm

    Absolutely right! It started with US…OURSELVES! I have also read one quote telling that..”Do not blame others for your downfall, look at yourself..it all starts with you!”.

    Reply
  56. Michelle Solee (@michisolee) permalink
    28/04/2015 9:29 pm

    I love multitasking so sometimes even when my son is talking, I’m doing something. This is a great reminder to listen and be mindful.

    Reply
  57. lee rosales permalink
    28/04/2015 9:51 pm

    One of my bad traits are holding on to my grudges. There are some things i can’t move on and forget. I think im mindful esp when i listen to others and be sensitive on giving out advises and comments

    Reply
  58. Stephanie Pass permalink
    28/04/2015 11:30 pm

    MIndfulness is so important, especially to pass down that trait to our children. I love these photos. That picture of the man in front of the giant tree looks amazing.

    Reply
  59. Makeba G. (@MELISASource) permalink
    29/04/2015 12:12 am

    I love the beautiful images you share here. And yes absolutely – mindfulness is so very important every day.

    Reply
  60. Papaleng Pagulong permalink
    29/04/2015 4:41 am

    Thank god, I always have quiet time with my kids. Just listening to their stories relieves whatever stress I am into.

    Reply
  61. franckxethee permalink
    29/04/2015 6:44 am

    Adopting to situations and not pushing your will can help you get what you want better. People would be better when they work together and not against each other.

    Reply
  62. poojakawatra permalink
    29/04/2015 7:12 am

    Totally well said Eliza !! The statement hold so much of truth that enjoy your present and live in it. Past has already gone and future we haven’t seen.
    More grudges we have more burden we will be carrying with us and let enjoying any moment. Kids are the beautiful example how life should be enjoyed every minute.

    Reply
  63. yolomoments12 permalink
    29/04/2015 8:13 am

    Wonderful post Ms. Elizabeth. Great reminders to be used in future 🙂

    Reply
  64. Lucero De La Tierra @earthformed permalink
    29/04/2015 2:35 pm

    Holding a grudge can be so destructive. It can be hard to let go though.

    Reply
  65. Yona Williams permalink
    29/04/2015 3:18 pm

    I enjoyed reading about the smart lil’ bird and reciprocity. Very nice photos in this roundup!

    Reply
  66. nilyncartagena permalink
    29/04/2015 3:23 pm

    I used to think that I’m a good listener but when I started working as a CSR, I realized that I wasn’t. So I hope I can work on mindfulness too.

    Reply
  67. theresa permalink
    29/04/2015 10:32 pm

    I think I am mindful enough to think what others were thinking but I feel that most people weren’t mindful of what I think and feel.

    Reply
  68. HilLesha permalink
    29/04/2015 10:36 pm

    I’m in awe of your photography. Thank you for sharing, and as always – wonderful post!

    Reply
  69. Sunshine Kelly permalink
    29/04/2015 10:44 pm

    Being Midfulness is something that is slacking in our society. Everything is moving and happening so fast that makes us so busy. We forgot to listen and care for other. Thanks for the reminders, hope that we can bring back the good thought and be mindfulness to the others.

    Reply
  70. Allan permalink
    29/04/2015 11:51 pm

    Thanks for sharing this very inspirational post.

    Reply
  71. ceemee permalink
    30/04/2015 2:12 am

    These are good points. It’s true that being a parent has me being mindful of what I do and what I say. I need to be intentional in interacting with my children.

    Reply
  72. Ayesha Serrato permalink
    30/04/2015 11:21 am

    Great post! Very inspiring. Thanks for your motivational posts it’s very nice to read articles like this.

    Love the photos btw 🙂
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  73. Fernando Ceballos Lachica permalink
    01/05/2015 1:04 am

    It’s really inspiring to tackle things one at a time that makes your life happy. Learning things are the best in life.

    Reply
  74. Doctor Eamer permalink
    01/05/2015 1:12 am

    This is inspiring! Keep it up! 🙂

    Reply
  75. Raquel permalink
    01/05/2015 4:16 am

    All the pictures, quotes, and advice really hit close to home. It makes me want to just get out there and do my best. Thanks!

    Reply
  76. mayen permalink
    01/05/2015 5:40 am

    I’m a social worker so I have to be mindful everyday at work. i need to really understand my clients situation to be able to help them appropriately.

    Reply
  77. sarah permalink
    01/05/2015 8:20 am

    GUILTY! 🙁 Being a multitasking mom, i seldom forgot to just stop and listen to my child and husband. I feel everything moves so fast that I don’t want to be left behind. Thank you for the great reminder.

    Reply
  78. sarah permalink
    01/05/2015 8:21 am

    GUILTY! 🙁 Being a multitasking mom, i seldom forgot to just stop and listen to my child and husband. I feel everything moves so fast that I don’t want to be left behind. Thank you for the great reminder.

    Reply
  79. alesheadominique permalink
    01/05/2015 12:56 pm

    This is something I really need to work on. I think we could all learn to be more mindful.

    Reply
  80. alesheadominique permalink
    01/05/2015 12:57 pm

    This is a great one. This is something I need to work on. We could all learn to be more mindful.

    Reply
  81. Justin Vawter permalink
    02/05/2015 12:23 am

    I love this! And the photos in this post are so beautiful. I’m a sunset kind of guy. And I agree with you. It’s really important to be mindful.

    Reply
  82. Papaleng Pagulong permalink
    02/05/2015 2:54 am

    Listen has lots of genuine thoughts we parents should listen into.

    Reply
  83. JessicaACassidy (@wifetoalineman) permalink
    02/05/2015 3:42 am

    As always, you take my breathe away with your photographs. I am also a terrible listener but am doing better though. I need to stop talking and listen to my husband when he talks and not to interrupt him.

    Reply
  84. Dave April Decheine (@skinnyover40) permalink
    02/05/2015 7:26 am

    I try to be with my husband at the moment. I am very mindful of what is going on. We moved on the island to be more attuned with our marriage.

    Reply
  85. Peachy @ The Peach Kitchen permalink
    02/05/2015 3:11 pm

    I always try to be mindful about all the things that’s happening around me but ut is sometimes hard to do when life gets busy.

    Reply
  86. Jillian Fisher permalink
    02/05/2015 11:03 pm

    I need to work on listening. I feel like I always have a millions things going on and I miss parts of the conversation :/

    Reply
  87. MariaWent2Town permalink
    03/05/2015 5:09 pm

    I will try to be more mindful since I have a tendency to zone out 🙂

    Reply
  88. mommykristine permalink
    03/05/2015 11:01 pm

    Thanks for this post. That’s right. In my case, I need to be mindful of what is now — my job and my family.

    Reply
  89. sinyees permalink
    04/05/2015 3:05 am

    Your post always leads me into a deep thought. Great writing, Elizabeth!

    Reply
  90. Dominique Goh permalink
    04/05/2015 5:47 pm

    Gift giving without asking anything in return is something that one has to constantly work on. It’s really not easy to be mindful all the time but it doesn’t mean that it can’t be done.

    Reply
  91. sikat101 permalink
    04/05/2015 6:10 pm

    Being mindful is being present at the moment. Sometimes we are physically present but our mind wanders. We sometimes miss what is happening before our eyes.

    Reply
  92. Mommy Maye permalink
    04/05/2015 11:37 pm

    Our busy daily life let’s us forget to be mindful and see things around us. I am thankful that I have my son because he helps me see the world through his innocent mind. Great post!

    Reply
  93. Melgie permalink
    06/05/2015 3:23 pm

    The photos are simply gorgeous. Thanks for the inspirations and I have to say that being mindfulness is a MUST, not only that you learn how to listen also able to share what you learn to others.

    Reply
  94. leybainpublic permalink
    06/05/2015 9:28 pm

    Thanks for posting this. Just what I need right now when I am feeling defeated.

    Reply
  95. JessicaACassidy (@wifetoalineman) permalink
    09/05/2015 4:51 am

    You always take amazing photos. It is very inspirational to look at them especially the sunset and sunrise.

    Reply
  96. Marichu permalink
    11/05/2015 6:12 am

    Thank you for sharing this!. your photos are amazing!

    Reply
  97. Myrabev permalink
    12/05/2015 5:26 am

    I realised a while back that holding a grudge does not benefit me but gives the opponent the power over me so I do not anymore I just enjoy life come what may. Great post

    Reply
  98. Peachy A. permalink
    15/05/2015 6:45 pm

    What an inspiring post about mindfullness.

    Reply

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