When do you take time to think? One of the things I love to do, but have a hard time doing, is taking time to think. This is crucial to living a healthy, productive, stress-free life (although there is no such thing as a stress-free life).

Meditation or mindfulness reduces stress and enhances our lives, regardless of whether we think it will or not.  There are many articles written on meditation and mindfulness, that make us aware of its benefits. But how many times do you actually take that 10-20 minutes? (For those wanting baby steps, you might try this One Moment Meditation or One Minute Guided Meditation.

Today, I am talking about a few moments of time (1 second to 5 minutes or so), when you’re not doing anything, but thinking. I could only recount a few occurring naturally:

1. Waiting in line at the grocery store.
2. Holding a newborn baby while he/she sleeps.
3. Waiting in a doctor’s office.
4. Waiting to pick up someone or return to a car.

What about you?

We need that down-time. Too often we fill that time with a game on our phone. It’s not about planning or figuring what to add to your to do-list. It’s not even ‘who do I need to call’, ‘what I need to clean up’ or ‘what I’m about to do’.

What Counts?
I’m talking about a time of reflection. It’s about being present in the moment. It could be paying attention to your breathing or thinking deeply about what you want to share with someone or even better listening to that still small voice. You’ve heard it before. Remember?

I know you can do it again. It just requires listening.

Sitting on the Dock of the Bay song

Dr. Harriette