An exercise in mindfulness

Created: by Pradeep Gowda Updated: Oct 10, 2023 Tagged: mindfulness

I sensed a small pleasure when I dropped off the nail clippings to the trash bin. 

  • It was a job needed - the nails were looking long.
  • Done well in advance - travel coming up this weekend.
  • Without urgent external deadlines - No need to scramble to do this in the last moment.
  • Pushing through some physical discomfort - sitting down on the floor as I always remind me to do over sitting on a chair at a desk. 
  • Foregoing other dopamine delivering action - consuming from a screen as soon as I got up.
  • Seeing the job through - throwing clips in the bin, and putting away the clipper.
  • Recognize the job well done - observe and acknowledge  the above things.
  • Recognizing the need to keep the positive feedback affect me in good ways.

Monks like Thích Nhất Hạnh in their “Walking meditation” recommend that you do even the simplest and mundane task with your full attention. I did so today.