Mindfulness

I was walking my dogs with my friend Anita when she brought up the topic of mindfulness and how she had observed that it had taken on a bit of a buzz lately. It was funny to be addressing such a rich and profound topic while my dogs were terrorizing the dog path, barking and chasing each other and creating havoc. Was she giving me a hint?

We talked about what mindfulness meant to each of us personally—and I was relieved that my dogs’ training didn’t come up in the conversation. When I got home I wanted to know more, so I set out on a journey of mindfulness discovery.

What is mindfulness? Psychology Today defines it this way:

“Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you’re mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience.”

This definition really resonates with me and my philosophy. I used to think that mindfulness and intentionality were synonymous. Now I realize that mindful is much more profound than intentional, and I am embracing the shades of meaning that make mindful a more well-rounded state of mind and place of choice than the more practical intentional.

I have also fallen in love with the work of Thich Nhat Hanh, in particular his message in Peace Is Every Step: The Path of Mindfulness in Everyday Life. His work is inspirational and reflects my philosophy and my work with my clients. Thich Nhat Hanh’s quotes are so profound that I have had a difficult time picking just one, so I encourage you to read them all.

After careful consideration, this is the quote I have chosen for myself and for you. Bless you and may your day be filled with mindfulness.

“To be beautiful means to be yourself. You don’t need to be accepted by others. You need to accept yourself.” ― Thich Nhat Hanh

XOXO Monica

Certified Career Coach Monica Magnetti also offers Professional Life Coaching, Internet Marketing Consulting and Brand Consulting Services. LIKE Luna Coaching Fan Page and leave your comments. Follow Monica on Twitter to stay on target with your goals.