Many years ago when my children were younger, we made a trip to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World. Being the planner that I was, I mapped out each day’s agenda with precision—fast pass line at this time, show at this time, ride at this time, which of course was directly on the way to our lunch reservation... The only problem was that in spite of all my planning there was always an unanticipated obstacle to my plans—an unexpected rain shower, a lost park pass, a stubbed toe that made travel slower... So each time we would get into one of those long lines, out would come the park map and show schedule as I made another revision to my plan—because of course I didn't want my time in line to be wasted. Naturally, I found myself easily irritated at the setbacks and tense while trying to make each of these self-imposed deadlines, but it wasn't until a decade later that I realized that it didn't have to be that way. For those of us who struggle with worry, the idea of actually enjoying life seems like a mirage that is always just out of reach and something that only others can achieve. But if I could send a note to my younger self (smuggled into the park map, of course), this is what it would say...
Stop. Take a deep breath and take a good look around. What do you see? I would see the way my daughter would curl up against her daddy when he tickled her ribs, my son’s head tilted back in laughter, eyes wide, as he managed to sneak ice down my shirt while my head was bent over my map, the crinkle around my husband’s eyes at his laughter... What do you hear? I would hear the high pitched giggle of a 7-year-old boy whose voice has now deepened with time... What do you feel? I feel the hot sweaty hand of my little 4-year-old girl that fit just perfectly in mine. What do you smell? I smell the hot buttery popcorn wafting over to us in line. What do you taste? I taste the sweet cotton candy at the corner of my lips from earlier. And what do you feel with your heart? I feel joy. And yes, some worry, but a tension that wouldn't stay. It would float right by on the breeze along with the buttered popcorn.
What I've just described is a very simple mindfulness practice that you can use anywhere you are this summer. Researchers tell us that by the act of paying full attention to what your five senses perceive in the present moment, you can reduce stress and increase your ability to enjoy the little moments of life. Mindfulness anchors you to the present moment—therefore preventing you from lingering in regrets of the past or dwelling in the worries of the future.
This summer why don't you give this practice a try? And for those who would like a deeper dive into mindfulness from a spiritual perspective (and are looking for a good book to read by the pool!), try Holy Noticing by Charles Stone or One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp. And for those chronic worriers who would like some extra tools or support, give us a call at The Fountains Counseling. Our counselors understand how heavy anxiety can be and can help you find the joy that is closer than you realize.
But back to the mom from Disney World—Has she mastered the art of mindfulness this many years later? Certainly not. I wrote half of this article in my head while walking in my neighborhood before I recognized what I was doing! But do you know what I did next? I spent the second half of my walk noticing the texture and shape of the oak leaves high in the trees, the buzz of a drone as a grandfather and young boy piloted it-- heads tilted together, the soft wind on the back of my neck... This time I didn't miss it, and I felt…peace.
To book a session Click Here or call 682-207-4824.
Author
Jennifer Cranford, MA, LPC Associate
Supervised by J. Scott Floyd, Ph.D, LPC-S