Being mindful through chaos

March has been an appropriate month to be mindful in. It would seem, that life has picked up on my end, with all sorts of joys, concerns in regards to the health of a friend and a father, more appointments then planned, and quite a few projects hanging in the queue. Thankfully, I've been able to find moments throughout the day, to pause and breathe.

I've also discovered a certain awareness I was lacking. I discovered a confidence I didn't know I had; the ability to take a step forth despite my fears and face them. And to realize, that it was a very beneficial step.

I've been breathing in my children, pausing and taking them in with all of my senses. I've been listening, watching, noticing. I am treasuring the way my eldest reads to my youngest. Seeing how well she's learning. Catching her sitting in sun spots, and spontaneously sketching when she wants. And seeing the smile on my youngest's face when she sees her sis awake...

All wonderful things to notice amidst life's chaos...

I am mindful...

Of my lil one's anime hair.

Of sweet, sweet toddlin' feet.

Of my eldest's love for tangrams. (And she's good mind you...)

Of a sleeping babe in my arms...

Of the fact that I still enjoy Winter's bliss...

Yes, I am enjoying slowing down, and noticing the little things. Taking a deep breath, and putting myself out there for a change. I am mindful of facing a fear without knowing the consequences. I am mindful of how much I adore my husband and my children. I am mindful of what happens when you take a chance and open up.

March 1 - Mindful Visuals

This morning, I was mindful of my body. Breathing in, feeling the movement, getting the heart pumping.

Instead of the usual jumping into schooling, we took a pause to watch the birds. The girls really got into it, and we tried to discovered what the song was we heard. We think it's a type of wren or sparrow. We are not certain.

Then, we took time to read some poetry by Frost.

I was mindful of the dishes piling up, and how quickly it took to clean them up.

While the little one slept, the eldest and I worked together.

And this little miss (Spider) helps with math, by jumping from problem to problem.

And now, it's to work and then to mindfully sink under the covers and to bed.

March 1 - Mindful of Feelings

This morning, I am mindful of how I feel. There is a tiredness, an anticipation and an anxiety within me. I can feel the tightness in my chest - the solar plexus and heart area. Today, I am breathing through it, letting myself really feel it instead of running from it.

I breathe in, and I go and dwell there. I face the fear and tension. I focus on my breath... I breath in... I breathe out and I let go...

And as I breathe, I am gifted to hear the sweet spring song of a bird. I listen. I listen and I breathe.