Even though my dad described my infant self as “an eel with insomnia,” and even though I can still sometimes be fueled by uncomfortably distracted energy, the stretches of mindfulness I am able to sustain, no matter how momentary at times, are creating a quieter and more peaceful mind. The patter of regrets, what-ifs, shame, and worry that used to plague me are mostly replaced by a softer attitude full of gratitude, contentment, and joy. My old habits of doing too much, resting too little, and putting myself last are transforming into healthy habits of self-care.
Among the most relaxing and grace-filled benefits I’m receiving from mindfulness are those of compassionate nonattachment, letting be, and lightening up, which are discussed in greater depth in Part III. Even after practicing mindfulness for a relatively short time, I was completely surprised and totally gratified when it gave me the courage and ability to let go of situations that had weighed heavily on me for years and develop compassionate nonattachment. The ability to lovingly let be is a very pleasant and freeing bonus and one that other mindful women have shared they also enjoy.
I credit a gentle, small steps approach to mindfulness practice with bringing more simplicity, love, freedom, and awareness into my mind, heart, and life.
Although we are not monks, but busy women comfortably able to multitask much of the time, we have the wonderful ability to make our lives and hearts even happier and more joyous by learning to be increasingly mindful in a feminine way.
Because you already lead full and often complicated lives, I’ve designed the practices in the rest of the book around a core of small, doable steps. The practices are simple; hopefully they will entice you into regular, ever-expanding times of mindful presence. They issue an invitation to relax, revitalize, and reconnect with the essence of yourself and what makes life meaningful to you. Each practice was developed to help you overcome distractions and strengthen your habit of mindfulness. They encourage you to be gentle with yourself as you move ever more surely toward enjoying the benefits to be gained from mindfulness. The practices can be as long or short as you like. Mainly, I hope you find them fun and effective. They are meant to be enjoyed.
Be gentle with yourself as you embark on or expand your mindfulness journey, and please remember that we all—even the masters among us—are still practicing.
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