We're usually aware of when we're hungry or thirsty or tired or sleepy. But when our mind is overworked or over-busy, we may not realize it until it triggers other reactions in our body, such as illness, exhaustion, depression, etc.
Thus it is important to do a daily "maintenance" of our mind -- just like we brush our teeth each day, comb our hair, eat, drink, sleep, etc. One way to rest the mind is through meditation. But meditation does not have to be of the formal sit on a cushion with your legs in a lotus position variety. You can also rest your mind by going for a walk and focusing on the beauty in nature, and making sure your mind is present where you are.
You can rest your mind by listening to the sounds of nature, whether walking, or just laying outside on the grass or sitting on a chair. The trick is to make sure your mind is attentive to what you are doing, right now, which is listening to nature, or admiring nature, etc. As soon as the mind wanders off to its previous activities, which oftentimes include worry and fear about the future or resentments and rehashing the past, you change your focus back to where you are and what you are doing. Just doing nothing and just listening to nature. Aah... that feels good!
Today's Focus was inspired by the InnerSelf.com article:
Clearing the Mental Chatter: A Great Aspect of Meditation
Written by Kamal Sarma
This is Marie T. Russell, publisher of InnerSelf, wishing you a day of taking the time to relax and clear your mind (today and every day)
Join me again tomorrow for the Daily Inspiration and focus of the day.
Today, we choose to relax and clear our mind.