How to be conscious

Below are some simple “practices” that have become themes in my consciousness throughout my days—they are the threads that weave my day together and infuse my day with a connection to what is.

Morning intention.

Before I get out of bed, I set an intention for my day. It may be as simple as sending light to the day for the highest and greatest good, or simply asking that my day be filled with ease and grace. Another variation is that I will hand the day over to spirit so I may be used in joyful service.

Meditation.

After twenty years of trying, I finally made meditation a consistent part of my day. I meditate for twenty minutes, usually last thing before i go to sleep. This often turns in to sleep – but at the moment, this worse for me, it helps me sleep well, but more importantly it helps me to take time to review my day, to give my attention to what really matters, and then it gives me the space to empty my mind, to slip deeply into my inner world.

Commune with nature.

When I am in nature or inspired by beauty it is a feeling of instant peace and aliveness. I am in awe of creation and grateful for life. Fresh air, sunshine, trees blowing in the wind, it all soothes the body, mind and spirit. This can be as simple as taking a moment to appreciate the trees or the wind on my face on my morning walk to the train station.

Gratitude.

The feeling of gratitude instantly gives me perspective and moves me into a compassionate, heart- centred space. It only takes tuning into one person’s hardship to be utterly grateful for the things I many times take for granted such as my good health, my family, and the love, freedom, and peace in my life. What else really matters?

Letting go.

At the core of letting go is trust and faith. Even when it appears otherwise, I cultivate a feeling that all is unfolding for my highest good. I find that just letting go and accepting myself or whatever situation I may be in allows life to flow.

Mindfulness.

Life is a gift and I try to keep this in mind and enjoy each moment by staying present—even when I am doing everyday, mundane tasks. I turn my attention and connect with spirit throughout the day.

Witness/Observe.

When I have a negative thought or feeling, I stop and “observe” the thought or feeling. I simply witness the thought by saying to myself, “oh, there is the fear,” or “there is the self-judgment.” Usually at the core of these thoughts is an old pattern or irrational belief. Sometimes I will forgive myself for the judgment and then reframe the old belief by replacing it with a new truth. The idea is that just by observing something and bringing it into your awareness it will transform.

Listen.

I find that listening more and talking less connects me to my self and opens me up to more deeply experiencing the moment.

Bless my food.

I give thanks for my food or ask that my food be filled with a healthy, loving energy. Most of the time I try to eat mindfully and slowly- focusing on the tastes, textures, colours and beauty of my food.

Appreciate the person in front of me.

Even amidst the busyness of the day and the many quick interactions, I try to pause long enough to actually take someone in.

Breathing.

I find taking a few slow deep breaths throughout the day clears my head and literally helps things flow.

Silence.

It is easy to fill our minds and days from when we wake up until we go to bed. Usually most of our doings are pre-planned. The problem with this is that we need space and silence to create an opening for inspiration, for guidance and for something new to happen. The silence gives space for the universe to provide in extraordinary ways that we could not have imagined.

Non-judgment.

I remind myself that we really do not know why things happen the way they do and it really doesn’t matter. I try not to attach any judgment—good or bad—to how things unfold, but simply accept and experience. Whoever said “don’t sweat the small stuff and it is all small stuff” is so accurate!” I keep this in mind.

Choose Love.

I read somewhere that the most important question to ask yourself in each moment is “what would love do?” I suppose this really sums it up! Enough said.

Every moment where you bring intention (purpose) and consciousness (awareness) may be a spiritual practice—even sorting through the mail, cooking, cleaning, and working. Eventually we get to a point where life fits around our spiritual practices, rather than fitting spiritual practice into our lives. When we bring ourselves fully to each present moment, our life is the practice.