Mindfulness in the Mirror

One of my personal favorite ways to meditate is when I don’t even realize it’s happening. That “flow” feeling when you are so concentrated on the task at hand that hours fly by like minutes.

The first thing that comes to mind is my skincare routine. If you’re a fellow skincare addict you will understand. It is a methodical and relaxing series of steps. I like to take my time and notice the feeling of my fingertips massaging the lotions and serums around my face.

Swirling concentric circles while gradually the creams fade away and my little heart rejoices with the satisfaction of having done something good for my skin; something good for myself in general. I can’t help but to end the ritual with a smile in the mirror.

I think artists can relate as well. It’s a mind-body connection when you touch a brush to canvas.

Your mind tells your hand to create a collection of lines, shapes and colors until you’ve created something totally brand new. Each stroke is thoughtful and intentional. When you paint, or draw, or write for that matter, the only thing you are thinking about is the art itself.

Or a sport- you end up so focused, it’s as if you’re hypnotized by your duty to deliver. 

Isn’t that what we all want? It’s a sensation of complete mindfulness. It’s the epitome of being present, but elusive. Almost like you don’t realize it’s happening until it’s over, so you try to recreate it, but you can’t force it, it just has to be. You have to forget about it all over again in order to stumble onto it when you least expect it and then start the cycle again. 

I feel like some of us are so wrapped up in technology that we have strayed away from normal human behavior. We spend so much time scrolling through our phones and watching TV that the simple act of participating in life, using our bodies for anything at all, has become exhilarating. Even more so if it’s something creative or productive. 

Tell me, what is your favorite way to find flow? Are you most present when you cook? Maybe you love to make model cars, or airplanes. I would bet knitting is a good one - but maybe not, maybe that’s more like a zoning-out sort of thing; I don’t know, I don’t knit.  I understand being mindful or present and feeling “flow” could be considered different things, but sometimes they come hand-in-hand. I’m interested to hear what people think about this. Drop a comment!