“Your beliefs become your thoughts. Your thoughts become your words. Your words become your actions. Your actions become your habits. Your habits become your values. Your values become your destiny.” – Mahatma Gandhi
As I get older, I see a big benefit in leading a simple life. This doesn’t mean that I stay away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living but I try not to make my life complicated. I try to de-clutter my house, eat simple food and appreciate straightforward relationships. I try to stay true to ‘what you see is what you get’. I have learned that if I don’t like something, I try to address conflicts and things I don’t like right away so that it doesn’t wake me up at 4 o’clock in the morning. Sometimes it’s easier than done because often times it takes two to tango. I wander why would people play games with other person’s feelings. Why would they hold a grudge and not move on? Why do people make their lives complicated instead focusing on what is important and what gets them in the flow?
I wonder if we, human beings, can reverse destiny by going at the above saying backwards. There is a scientific evidence that you are what you think or as cognitive behaviorists explain that “The link is what you think.” I am impressed that my 9 year-old son is taught mindfulness at school and I wonder why don’t senior centres across the city offer mindfulness sessions for older adults. There are many benefits that would make the aging easier, happier and completely fulfilling.
I would like to share a mindfulness eating exercise that I call ‘Two Lucky Raisins’.
- Take two raisins.
- Take one and hold it between your fingers.
- Look at it. What does look like? What shape does if have? What colour is it?
- Is it squashy? Is it hard? Is it sticky?
- Smell it? How does it smell?
- Hold it close to your ear. Does it make any sound? How about if you squish it a bit?
- Slowly put it in your mouth but don’t bite it.
- How does it feel in your mouth? Is it hard? Is it soft?
- Slowly start chewing.
- What does it taste like? Is it juicy? Is it sweet?
- You can swallow it and try with the second raisin.
- Is it what you expected?
- Weren’t these two best raisins you’ve ever had?
Simple and divine!