Mindful Moments

One thing that I feel I have always been good at is being mindful. I literally stop to smell the roses. Notice the shape and delicacy of snowflakes. Pay attention to the shapes clouds make and remake. Listen to the breeze. Now that we are in Florida, I feel like my senses are on overdrive. My therapist told me awhile back or maybe I read it in one of the many self help books I have been reading, wherever I found it, I have decided to give it a try on this trip. Write my mindful moments down. Honestly, this is something that I can and will refer back to when I am feeling anxious and worried.

One of my favourite things to do is to get up before my family, make a lovely dark roast coffee, and go on the patio of our condo. It's my favourite way to start my day, even though  I feel that it's a bit selfish (like I should be making a five course breakfast with fresh squeezed juice for my family). I love those few moments of calm. This morning the breeze was exceptionally calm, the blue sky clear. It was chillier than it has been (maybe 21C/70F). The palm fronds were gently swaying and making a "swoosh" sound that I know I have heard before but too often don't pay attention to. It was that moment that I watched the palm in front our condo for several mixtures. Listening to the gentle breeze, watching the swaying just as a small bird landed on its frond, and then as quick as it came, it left. The fronds splitting at the ends almost hair-like. The sun was just coming up over the fence, and I could already feel its warmth. 

Even as I write this now in the late afternoon, with the sun shining just above that same palm, it is not as quiet as this morning. But to be aware, to be thankful, to see the beauty of nature is to be mindful. 

*Please excuse my crappy photography capabilities with my iPhone from inside my lanai. I would like to note the orb in the top pic...no matter how I positioned my iPhone, it was there, meant to be. 

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My family I came from the beach, one of my most favourite places. The sensations are powerful. The heat of the sun, the wind in the air, the gentle crash of the waves, the tinkle of the shells hitting each other, the taste of the salt in the air. After going on a lengthy adventure with my son looking for sea glass, to which we did not find a single piece, I lay on the blanket with my husband while our kids play in the surf. We embrace the moments when they actually enjoy each other's company and are not arguing. They stand together on the sand in the surf. My daughter grabs her brother's hand every now and again when a big wave comes to hit them, her mermaid-like hair swaying in the breeze. It's moments like these that make my heart melt and today, is my favourite mindful moment from the day. I love those kids to pieces. Like I have said many times, I am so blessed for these kids and my husband. 💓💓 Embrace the moment.

January 2, 2019, our fave beach in Florida.