Mindful Moments: Red lights and dinner tables - Learning to be more Mindful
Blog Contributor: Dr. Victoria Shedrick
So how much time do you have? I’ve got about two to three minutes to grab
your attention and make a point here! But
if it’s not the endless lists and check-boxes in your head, your phone buzzing
with a text or email, a television that no one’s really watching in the
background, or maybe your child tugging at your leg to show you something, I’m
sure you’re distracted while reading this.
Life is
filled with distractions. Most
distractions are good, and add a certain something to our days that create
moments of joy. While other distractions,
often self-created, keep us from being more mindful. Mindfulness is paying attention and being in the moment. And moments are precious and happen only
once.
While
driving, how often do you stop at red lights to take care of business? Without thinking
you reach for your phone to send an email or text, take a selfie, pay a bill online
or order a gift from Amazon. Something
that could have waited, but you chose to fill what you viewed as a “void”, the
ordinary stop at a red light. A moment
unworthy of being cherished. Moments are
precious and happen only once.
Or how
about family dinners, where “BYOD” is an acceptable and familiar practice? Yes, dinner is ready so “Bring Your Own Device!” Parents
bring tablets and phones, while kids bring games. It’s dinner time—another moment unworthy of
being cherished. But moments are precious
and happen only once.
So, here’s the challenge for 2017!
Two
things…both very simple. First, at your
next red light, resist the urge to reach for your phone. Instead, take a deep breath, reflect over
something good that happened during your day, notice the clouds or sunset, or
take this time to simply say “Thank God for this moment”. For moments are precious and happen only
once.
And
second, break the BYOD rules at dinner time!
Use this time to actually look at your spouse, children, or loved ones. You may be amazed at what you notice. Pay attention to their expression, ask them
about the best part of their day, and really listen to their response. Notice, listen and laugh. It will be the best part of your day. Without a device nearby or in hand, you’ll
find that you connect to what’s most important—the moment. Moments are precious and happen only once.
Dr. Victoria Shedrick is a Licsened professional counselor intern in Columbia, SC who works at NWC Counseling. She specializes in working with children and adolescents with anxiety, impulse control, ADHD among other behavioral issues. She is currently offering an 8-week group called "Mindful Moments" to children assisting them in gaining insight about their behaviors, using mindfulness to change them and empower them. Click HERE to complete an interest form for the group so our office can follow up with you. To learn more about her and how she can better serve you visit our website HERE or contact us at (803) 851-6801.