For the 16th time, the Emirates Literature Festival took place again last week. What a great event it was this year! Filled with exciting and insightful presentations from John Torode, Julie Lewis to Michel Bussi, workshops and masterclasses and plenty of activities for kids, it was such a wonderful way of spending some time in an almost different world, the literary world.
One of my absolute favourites is Ian Rankin, the Scottish crime writer who created Inspector Rebus. While having heard Rankin speak before, this time was very special to me. He captured my attention for his entire presentation. Listening to his stories was so amazing that I forgot the exhaustion from my overnight flight and I was truly in the present. I was mindful!
As I caught myself realising how absorbed I was in that present moment, I wondered how it was different from my other waking hours.
Become aware
Being mindful is all about awareness. If you are aware what’s going on, you can be mindful of what’s going on. Observe what’s going on in this very moment, become a witness and then let it pass like Zen teacher Takuan suggests. If our mind is stuck in a moment (e.g. past or future), we cannot be present in the moment (e.g. now).
I know that my mind can (and does) wander. By acknowledging the different states, I can also chose being mindful.
Set your intentions
As Deepak Chopra says, once you’re aware, you can set and release your intentions. For him, intentions are like a seed of something you wish to create. Think about what you would like to create (or work on or experience). Make this part of your goal.
I wanted to turn this one hour into learning and nurturing my literary mind. At the same time, I wanted to simply enjoy this one hour.
Eliminate distractions
Unplug yourself. Turn off distractions like email notifications and silence your phone. Remove the physical clutter and watch out for electronic clutter. Unplug your TV with the American watching 37-40 hours per week (that’s almost a full time job!). These are only a few tips which Joshua Becker on his becomingminimalist website shares. All are not only reasonable, but also quickly to do.
For example, I turned my iPhone into vibrate only mode and put it away in my purse.
Focus on one thing
How many times have you heard by now that multi-tasking isn’t working? That you should focus on one task at any given time. Even the Zen proverb knows about this: “When walking, walk. When eating, eat.” You are more efficient in dealing with your task. You’re also mindful.
With Rankin knowing his way around with words, it was a pleasure to just listen to him, to laugh with him and the audience and to be awed by him.
What are your practices or rituals to live mindfully? If you have been practising mindfulness for some time, what suggestions would you give to folks just learning about it? I’d love to hear your story in the comment box below!
Until next time,
Agni