Tag: mindfulness

Applying Mindfulness To Diet

by Mershon Niesner

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead, American cultural anthropologist

In my last blog, I wrote about mindfulness, the process of purposely bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the moment. As I apply mindfulness to various aspects of my life, I’m committing to adding one more—eating with sustainability in mind. 

Animal agriculture is the number two contributor to climate change—slightly more than all transportation pollution combined. What I put on my plate matters enormously—not just to my health but to the state of the environment. When I commit to eating a single planet-based meal each day I will save tens of thousands of gallons of water every year and drastically reduce my carbon output. I think it’s worth it. 

Affirmation: I will eat with sustainability in mind.

Coaching questions: What do you want to be more mindful about? What difference will it make?

IMG_3538.JPGFat-free, sugar -free, gluten-free, animal product-free breakfast “cookies.”

You Did What?

by Mershon Niesner

Confrontation is a healthy avenue for you to stand up for yourself and your beliefs–to be heard and not silenced by inaction or fear. From The Chopra Center newsletter, article by Melissa Eisler

I will admit it… confrontation is my Achille”s heel. I’m discovering that my childhood fear of abandonment which I have brought forward with me is the root of my difficulty with confrontation. The little girl inside of me thinks, “If I confront this person about what is making me angry, they will retaliate by emotionally abandoning me or, worse, leaving me altogether.” The irony is, if one doesn’t confront, resentment builds and physical or emotional leaving takes place because there was NO confrontation. So…my logical conclusion is, as difficult and scary as it may feel, constructive confrontation is worth it.

Being mindful of your beliefs, clearly communicating where you stand, and speaking with objectivity rather than letting your emotions drive your responses is a start.

Affirmation: I am able to confront when necessary.

Coaching questions: What keeps you from confronting? What is it costing you not to confront? What steps can you take to confront in a meaningful and mindful way?

Mindfulness

by Mershon Niesner

Mindfulness: a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the preset moment. Coach T, http://coachT.blog

I’ve met some interesting people in “Blog-ville”…fellow bloggers. One is Coach T who blogs about mindfulness (he’s cute too). After reading his introductory post, I took a walk around a park district lake. I usually hurry past the many signs on benches and trees. But the mindfulness reminder got me to slow down, read and take photos of the inscriptions. I was moved by the love expressed by those who had lost daughters, sons, parents, friends. Sweet messages like, “My son Nick, the most precious part of my life, you will live in any heart forever. I cherish our memories and love you very much. Your Mom.” Next to a yellow flowering tabebuia tree, “Jennie Carlton Bowles, 1904-199. Her positive outlook affected all who knew her.” On a bench plaque, “Dear Lord, Thank you for looking over Anthony on August 7, 2011. Love, The Giarrusso Family.” So many stories, so much love.

This one is my favorite:IMG_2210

 

Affirmation: I am mindful.

Coaching question: What might you discover if you practice mindfulness?