Mindfulness Journal - April 12, 2021 - Day 14 of 365 Today was not a very productive session, and that’s ok. I’m good with it. Part of learning mindfulness as a skill and practice is learning to accept that some days will not feel as relaxing or calming as others. Some days may feel like a bit of a chore, one more thing that needs to get done in an already busy schedule. I hope that I’ll have less of those days and more of the calming and productive days that I have come to enjoy, but I need to be willing to accept whatever comes. Tomorrow is another day, and the blue sky is always just beyond the clouds.
“By faith we understand that the universe was formed at God’s command, so that what is seen was not made out of what was visible.” Hebrews 11:3
Gratitude Journal - April 12, 2021 Today, I am grateful for people who genuinely care about the environment and are working to find ways to take better care of our planet. I firmly believe that those fighting for our planet’s health are doing so from a genuinely good place. They are looking to make the world better for all of us. Regardless of if I always agree with the message or tactics, I choose to believe that their motivation is positive. For this, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - April 11, 2021 - Day 13 of 365 I was able to keep my meditation practice on point today and gained some solid understanding from the process. Today I added in the concept of understanding my meditation practice’s intended outcome and who I am aiming to benefit from this work. This understanding is essential as it expands the importance and necessity of this process as I am no longer doing it solely for my benefit. Others will profit from my effort. Through this process, I can improve the lives of those I love and care about.
I am enjoying this process.
“And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple.” Luke 14:27
Gratitude Journal - April 11, 2021 Today, I am grateful for people who have different opinions than I do. It is only through listening and being open to others who may not share your thoughts that learning can happen. Listening and understanding do not mean I have to agree with everything I hear. The process of listening and being open to other thoughts is the key to both acceptance and accepting others. We don’t all have to agree, but we should listen and understand various perspectives. For this, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - April 10, 2021 - Day 12 of 365 I was up early this morning and able to meditate in a quiet house. Today’s focus was on identifying why I am working on mindfulness as a practice. What am I hoping to gain from the time I am spending in meditation? I’m sure everyone’s answer to this question is a little different. For me, the answer lies in finding a way to be more confident, more present, and better able to deal with daily life stress. Anxiety and worry have always been issues for me. Finding ways to deal with these stressors more productively would be a significant improvement. Meditation and mindfulness are one way I can attack this problem.
“He reveals the deep things of darkness and brings utter darkness into the light.” Job 12:22
Gratitude Journal - APril 10, 2021 Today, I am grateful that every once in a while, someone enjoys my writing. I like to write and really don’t do any of my journaling for anyone but myself, but I feel a certain sense of pride when someone else finds what I write worth reading. It makes the process just a little bit better. For this, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - April 9, 2021 - Day 11 of 365 Today was a good day. I had a medical procedure (a spinal injection for low-back pain) and found myself a bit anxious. I used my breathing focus to find calm and let my anxiety pass. A great application of mindfulness that helped me a lot.
“We love because he first loved us” 1 John 4:19
Gratitude Journal - April 9, 2021 Today, I am grateful for the talented doctor and staff that took care of my back procedure today. I am hopeful that this will reduce my lower back pain. For this, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - April 8, 2021 - Day 10 of 365 Today’s meditation focused on working to gain an understanding of what types of thoughts cause you the most distraction. What are the ideas that you find the most difficult to let go of? Typically I find that the most challenging thoughts for me are all the things I have yet to accomplish. I get caught up thinking about the next thing I need to do and what I need to do after that. I’ve lost all focus before I know it, and my mind is halfway down the street. I’m hopeful that a better understanding of where I lose focus and what I find challenging to recover from will improve my overall mindfulness.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” Galatians 5:22-23
Gratitude Journal - April 8, 2021 Today, I am grateful for the American Red Cross and blood donation. Many years ago I needed blood and it was there to help save my life. So today, and each opportunity I have, I give blood. I am forever grateful for the service that American Red Cross provides. For this, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - April 7, 2021 - Day 9 of 365 Stuggling to find consistency in my morning routine. Today was disrupted by some overnight work requirements and lack of proper sleep. While I was able to get my meditation in it felt rushed and not very helpful. Morning is key.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 6:23
Gratitude Journal - April 7, 2021 Today, I am grateful for televised professional baseball. While many of us cannot get out to the ballpark to watch a game in person, being able to watch an afternoon game on TV brings back a certain sense of normalcy. We all need a little normalcy. For this, I am grateful.
Mindfulness Journal - April 6, 2021 - Day 8 of 365 I had a very good meditation session today, though it was mid-day rather than early this morning. I’m finding that I am getting better at not only letting go of thoughts as I’m meditating, but also better at refocusing once my mind wanders off. The time goes by so fast. I am enjoying this process.
“No one lights a lamp and puts it in a place where it will be hidden, or under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, so that those who come in may see the light.” Luke 11:33
