Mindfulness of Planning and Doing
Prior musings have outlined a way of being that promotes physical, mental and spiritual health by focusing on self-care and embracing the mindful attitudes of kindness,non-judgmental acceptance, patience, curiosity, trust, non-striving,and letting go. Mindfulness emphasizes paying purposeful attention on the present moment. It is common to wonder how anything gets done or planned if one is focusing on the present moment much of the time.
Mindfulness can be practiced both formally and as a way of being. Formal practice is choosing to set aside some uninterrupted time to meditate, which can be done sitting,lying down, walking or in many other ways. Informal practice involves being aware as one goes about everyday activities. Awareness of being aware (so-called meta-awareness) helps us pay full attention to whatever activity we are doing. This enriches the experience and may contribute to efficiency,effectiveness,creativity and enjoyment.
Planning can also be done in a mindful way. Choosing to spend time planning with full focus and attention is helpful for developing a healthy,balanced life. It is helpful to minimize distractions while planning. Multi-tasking often results in doing a number of activites poorly!
Short,medium and long range planning helps with fulfilling goals and intent for work-related,social,family time,personal time and recreation. Planning with clear intent and priorities helps us manage the pace of life, perhaps slowing things down,reducing schedule overcrowding. This allows for time to meditate formally and make room for the inevitable unexpected events that life serves up.
An extremely important aspect of planning is not getting attached to the outcome.
When we get attached to having everything unfold as planned,we inevitably suffer when we encounter the unexpected. I have heard it said that if you want to hear God laugh,make some plans! Approaching plans with flexibility,patience,trust,acceptance and humour reduces suffering and stress.
When plans are re-directed by life’s circumstances,problem solving with a clear,calm attitude is a benefit of living mindfully.
Mindful Home Practice: Practice informal mindfulness while doing everyday activities. Journal your experiences. Develop structured planning time with full focus and minimal distractions. Priority lists with a short “have to” list and longer “it would be nice” lists may help reduce expectation and stress. We are human be-ings ,not human do-ings! Try to minimize attachment to outcome. See if you can increase your flexibility. Journal to assist your awareness of any benefits or challenges.