Centering & Mindfulness

Why (and how) I practice mindfulness.

Like all of us, my life is busy. Luckily, because of where I work, mindfulness is something always at the forefront of my mind. But, I also know—and feel—when I am at my busiest, centering and mindfulness are things I let go of.

When I get overwhelmed, I have a tendency to disengage from feeling. I don’t stop doing. In fact, I might even appear to be doing more: working more and harder, attending more social events, sleeping less. But, even though I appear to be doing more, I am engaged less and less. I am not present.

I have learned over that years that presence is what makes a full and happy life. I have also learned that not being present is very easy to do. And, I have learned that being present isn’t hard, but it does take practice.

My workplace requires that I lead my classes in a short centering/mindfulness exercise at the start of every meeting. I also use this time to center myself. I focus only on my body and my breathing—in that moment. While I am coaching the students on the practice of mindfulness, I model it.

I carry this practice into my life beyond school. I wake up most mornings before the sun rises so I can get in a good workout. I have an exercise space in my garage (I’ll blog about this space and routine another day…). I mention this space because it is a place where I can get away. And, I find I am the most able to practice centering and mindfulness after a good sweat, and away from the inside distractions of my family. After whatever I have done for exercise, I spend some time in stillness, Savasana (for any other yogis out there). I focus my breath, and the rise and fall of my belly and chest as I breathe in and out. Thoughts of the fast-approaching day enter, and I practice letting them go and being in this moment with myself.

This simple practice, of staying present with my body for a few minutes most mornings, has made a tremendous difference in my life and my teaching.

In my early years of teaching, I planned and did. In class, I was always thinking of what was next, or if and how a conversation I didn’t start or plan was pulling me/the class off schedule, and how I might get us back on track. I wasn’t listening to my students. I wasn’t hearing anything but myself and my own thoughts about what’s next?.

Listening is the most powerful tool we have as teachers. Being in the present moment, with no expectation or thought of what is coming next, allows us the freedom to listen.

Listening to students, and actually hearing what they are saying, has made my teaching fuller and easier.

Listening makes my life fuller and easier.

Practicing centering and mindfulness with myself on a regular basis makes it possible for me to listen to others. Imagine a day where you didn’t have the pressure of thinking about what you were going to do next, because all you had to do was listen. It is easy, but it does take practice.




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