Who’s got time for daily meditation?
I know, I know…we are all supposed to take at least 15 minutes (preferably much longer) a day to sit quietly in our personal space, light a candle and clear our minds to reduce stress, connect with ourselves and be more relaxed in our day. 
I don’t know about you, but I have a business and home to run, a husband, two kids, two cats and a dog, not to mention trying to get some exercise. I get it. It would be fabulous to have time to do that on a daily basis, but many working moms finding that time is incredibly difficult.
So here’s a trick I learned from my coach years ago. I still use it today and I regularly share it with my clients. My coach Bobbie, didn’t have a name for it, but I call it “The Busy Person’s Meditation.”
This is a really easy way to practice mindfulness or meditation when your day is too full and you need to find some “space” to breathe.
1. Pick a task that you do on a regular basis, like many times a day is possible….washing hands, brushing teeth, putting make-up on, drying hair, dusting, sweeping, vacuuming, etc.
2. Once you pick the activity, practice is in a very mindful way. Pay attention to your breathing, use all your senses and stay in the moment.
3. When outside thoughts come in (and they will), notice them and go back to focusing on your breathing and the sensations you feel while you are performing the task.
Here’s how it works for me. I chose sweeping the floors. My house is all hardwood floors and like I said, I have two kids, two cats and a dog, so my floors need sweeping alot (I mean a LOT!)
Originally, my sweeping habits were tense, frenzied affairs. Sometimes I would try to sweep while talking on the phone, picking up things as I went along, having conversations with the kids or just grumbling about all the dust and animal hair in my house.
Not very relaxing.
Now, when I pick up a broom, I take a deep breath and slow down my breathing. I pay attention to the feel of the broom in my hand, the subtle changes in my muscles in my arms and upper back as I sweep. I notice the sound of the bristles against the floor and I notice the results as I sweep a room. It’s amazing how relaxing that time is and I’ve noticed that the response has become automatic whenever I pick up a broom. Believe it or not, I really enjoy sweeping! Who knew?
And finally, the part I love so much about this exercise is that I learned that it really is possible to have periods of mindfulness and relaxation in a busy full day. I can be in my own little world for 15 minutes or so to allow my body to slow down and recharge a little bit.
So pick a task and try it! Please let me know how it goes. I love stories!
I see meditation in your future!
