Day 58: Just a Reminder

It is hard enough in our task oriented society to keep those things we have to do at the front of our minds, especially with mommy brain. It is even harder to remember HOW we want to do them.

How do we want to show up in the world, regardless of what is happening? What qualities do we want to embody, even when we are in line at the grocery store and the baby is screeching, or on the train and we are trying to change her in our laps because there's no changing table (what the heck is that about, btw?)?

To remind myself of these things, I like to write them down in my planner:

1. Respond to that email

2. Finish the laundry

3. Be gentle with myself and others

You can choose your method. You can choose your own qualities. I've written them on sticky notes and attached them to medicine cabinets.

Set phone reminders. Tattoo it on your wrist. Whatever will help keep your intention for the quality you wish to embody present for you.

When I took a Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) course two years ago, I was given a list of the "7 Essential Attitudes of Mindful Practice." Here they are:

1. Non-judging

2. Patience

3. Beginner's Mind

4. Trust

5. Non-striving

6. Acceptence

7. Letting Go

So pick an attitude and remind, remind, remind. Each time you remember, you are practicing that quality. Each time you practice that quality, you are embodying it a little more.