Whether the day has been challenging or easy, it will come to an end.  When we practice mindfulness, we are aware that each moment is impermanent or fleeting.  The default state of the human mind is to be either thinking about the past moment or looking ahead to the next moment.  Yet, the moment we are in is the only one that counts.  It too will pass, so we might as well be present for it.

Being  mindful to a sunset is a way to practice the idea of impermanence.  Time may seem to stop as you let yourself  watch the slow sinking of the sun.  When thoughts about the moment before or the day ahead come up, gently bring the attention back to simply watching.  Notice the gentle passing of time and how beautiful the process can be when we are paying attention.  See if you can do this each evening this week, using mindfulness to end each day.

Mindful moments are short practices to be used throughout your week to relax, integrate and center yourself.  Inspired by the wisdom traditions and science, mindful moments are meant to be accessible and simple enough for anyone to practice.  Many teachers and leaders in integrative medicine have influenced our approach to mindful moments. Jon Kabat-Zinn defines mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.”  Pema Chodron would say it is “practicing in the gaps.”  Look for the weekly mindful moment every Monday.  May it support you in finding your center to live life to the fullest.