Mindful Living

 

Near the main lawn, there is an area below the over-arching cross. The area smells wonderful and is over by the benches is referred to as the Rose Garden. With an abundance of buds and pretty sights, the area offers a place of serenity. Here, Falcons can truly stop…and smell the roses.

But what happens when Brothers are in the STEM Wing? The Parking Lot? Home? Starbucks? The Talon reached out to some reliable Falcons to get the scoop on how to truly live in the moment.

Find peace with the past

Eliminate should, could, or would from your vocabulary. All of these words lead to uncertainty and that territory is a grey area. It benefits and answers nothing and these words get in the way of fully living, striving, and having no regrets. Dominic Hinton (’17) suggests to “try to go to bed at night with no regrets.”

Regret is something that is tricky. It is hard to refrain from regretting things, but Tyler Vander Waal (’17) advises to “think positive and see the good in everything so at the end of the day [you] won’t have any regrets.”

If you are trying to live in the present, but you’re focusing on your past, how can you truly enjoy the moment? Let go of the past, and focus on the moment— right here, right now.

Stop Worrying

When Teyha Moisa (’17) was asked about living mindfully, she confessed that “living in the moment is hard because your brain is constantly thinking about everything,”

But she strives to hush those thoughts, stating that she “[she] focuses on [her] breathing to take [her] mind off of the negativity happening.”

Letting go of the need to control everything grants peace. Whether you believe in faith or fate, things will always work out in the way it is supposed to. Be aware of the little things that can bring joy, or strengthen your focus.

Be aware.

“I live in the moment by taking in my surroundings and realizing that they remain the way they are only momentarily,” Sam Dixon (’17) reflected. “I must remember to enjoy these moments while they last, even if it is for a short time.”

Being aware that time is always fleeting is important, but other Falcons suggest that being aware of others is even more important.

Kacey McCarley (’17) shared that “being aware of what is going in my friends lives and constantly checking up on them to see how they are doing” helps her to live fully.

Nina Vitorelo (’18) offered some wise words, stating that “being mindful of others is important so you don’t hurt anyone and regret anything you do or say.”

Awareness is a fabulous way to keep yourself and others in check. But to be able to be aware, you must relax and….

Breathe

Mrs. Kelly Harrington ’83 said that she takes a moment to truly breathe in the midst of chaos. When your to-do list seems bigger than your future, sit down and relax by focusing on your breath. Breathing clears your mind, eases your worries, and enhances the present moment.

Seek joy

“I ives in the moment by trying to make the best out of all things,” Tyler reflected.

When you seek joy, joy will be found. When you find joy, you spread joy. Radiating positivity not only helps live in the present, but it enhances the human experience.

“I live in the moment by making people around me happy by being happy myself,” Chase Mehlhop (’17) said.

Finals seem to be creeping up and tests seem to be piling up. But in those moments, Falcons, be aware that time is slipping away. You have a choice, Falcons, to either worry, or to live mindfully. Choose to live in the moment by using these few tips. Choose joy, in each moment. Be aware that peace is the answer to living mindfully. Let go of the worry, and stop to breathe.

Oh! And don’t forget to stop and smell the roses.