There are no two ways about it. Sometimes you just can’t drag yourself onto those meditation cushions. Maybe it’s too cold to sit around for enlightenment. Maybe the thought of the pub is just too attractive. Maybe, just maybe, just can’t be bothered with Mindfulness today.

We all have those days and sometimes it’s just not worth the fight to get that little fix of peace. But what can you do instead? There are a few options for you if you want to switch it up a bit and get that practice done in a different way

1. Mindful walking
   Yes, walking can be a mindful activity! Try taking your shoes off. Now see how the floor feels under your feet. Is it soft or hard, can you feel texture or temperature? Now start walking slowly for the length of your room. Turn round and walk back at half your last speed. What was that like? What came up for you? Did you feel that the room was different? DId you find yourself wandering off into thought? Now try being aware of when your heel touches the floor, and when your toes leave. This is your foot and how it walks. It happens all the time without your attention. By concentrating on this motion you are quickly  drawn into the present moment and you are being mindful
2. Mindful Eating
   After you have prepared your next meal sit down and take the time to look at it. What colours are there? What textures? Try and take it all in. You have made this with fresh ingredients that were recently growing. Become aware of that chain of being. When you put the food in your mouth eat it slowly and deliberately. Really taste the flavours that are released. Are they savoury, sweet, bitter or sour? You have just done mindfulness of eating.
3. Cleaning your teeth
   When you next brush your teeth take the time to be in the moment. This can be done by being aware of what your arm is doing as you brush. Is it going up and down or side to side? Is your arm horizontal? What does the brush feel like on your teeth? Is it pleasant or unpleasant? What does the brush feel like on your gums? How does the toothpaste taste?

Mindfulness can be practised anywhere – not just in seated meditation. We need to take our practice with us everywhere. So the next time you can’t be bothered to find the time to sit remember mindfulness is right there!

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