Multi-tasking is an excellent skill for a computer to have.  I for one am completely smitten with a machine that can upload photos from my digital camera while I balance my budget using Quickbooks.  However, I have less of an affinity for multi-tasking by humans.  Who wants to be in the middle of spilling a heart-wrenching story to a friend only to hear the sound of a mouse clicking on the other end of the line?  Not me.  Nor do I want to be the person who seems distant during friend’s time of need because I’m mentally somewhere else (brainstorming future blog posts or yoga classes, even).  Yoga, and more specifically mindfulness, is one way to train the mind toward single-tasking. 

I am often asked what yoga is really or what the point of all of this is if not to cultivate a yoga booty or sculpted arms.  This question is often met with heady answers (at times from me), but quite simply… this is a practice to reconnect us with the divine, which already resides within.  This connection has practical benefits for daily life in addition to the liberation of one’s soul: when we are at work, we work with increased focus; when we are with others, we are more fully present with them; when we are at rest, we are truly able to renew ourselves.  Who wouldn’t want that?

Now for the tricky part: how to begin this mindfulness practice? As with most yogic principles, our mat offers a wonderful laboratory for practicing what will ultimately lead to a more peaceful life out in the world. Begin by bringing your awareness to your body. Scan each and every part of your body.  Each time you assume a posture.  Once you have tuned into the body, experience your breath… use your senses one at a time to notice every characteristic about your breath.  And stay with the breath.  If the mind strays, simply come back to the breath.  Now bring this practice to life off the mat: when you are waiting in line at the post office, in the moments between wakefulness and moving your body out of bed, and every place in between.  I think you’ll notice an immediate shift. 

We will take on more practices in mindfulness in coming weeks, but begin there for now.  And do let me know how it goes for you.

Blessings.

Namaste.

Kelly

{I took the photo above on Christmas Eve day in Zion National Park.}