Guest Post: Yoga Instructor Tracee Dolan {Mindfullness}

Have you ever heard the saying “when you are washing the dishes, wash the dishes”?

So simple. So true. So effective- yet in most of our everyday lives- so overlooked. In the Miracle of Mindfulness, Thich Nhat Hanh takes it a step further:
“At first glance that might seem silly: Why put so much stress on one simple thing? But that’s the point. The fact that I am standing there washing these bowls is a wondrous reality. I’m being completely myself, following my breath, conscious of my presence, and conscious of my thoughts and actions”.

and here is where we all can relate instantly:

“If while we are washing dishes, we think only of the cup of tea that awaits us, thus hurrying to get the dishes out of the way as they were a nuisance, then we are not ‘washing the dishes to wash to wash the dishes…What’s more we are not alive during the time we are washing the dishes….If we can’t washes the dishes, chances are we won’t  be able to drink our tea either.”

How you feel is about this moment. Yes, some memories are marvelous-but what your life really is all about- is right now. How do you feel? What’s going on with your brain? Your jaw? Your bottom row of teeth, your eye brows? Let go of that intensity. Take a deep breath in. S-l-o-w-l-y let it out. And while you’re at it: please stop worrying about the future. Make this moment a serene meditation on what you are feeling right now.

How many times a day do you do things just to get them over with? Driving somewhere, cleaning something, buying a gift, work? Getting your children out the door- Anticipating the end of the task. How is that authentic?

When you are doing something, do it with pleasure or at the very least a little ease. Begin & complete tasks with appreciation for the opportunity of having the experience. Realize this is an essential discipline- and life gets a little easier.

Tracee Dolan is available for private & group lessons on meditation & yoga. Please feel free to contact traceeteachesyoga@gmail.com with any questions or class inquiries.