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I've spent this past week writing, writing, writing. It's a project that takes a ton of concentration and discipline to keep tackling one section after another in order to reach the finish line.
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I found myself mentally "spent." Too tired to nap, too uninterested to watch a show, too stressed over my project, I wandered outside and stood in the yard.Â
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I noticed a weed. One with spikey burrs on it.
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I bent down to pull it.
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Then I noticed another one. And another.
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Before long, I was thoroughly engrossed in the repetitive task of pulling weeds. Where did they all come from? And why are all of them prickly? I
don't know. This is Texas and everything has ouchy spikes on them.
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But as I worked, I paid attention.
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I noticed my stress level lowering.Â
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I found my mind centering.
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I began to untangle my thoughts.
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My breathing slowed.
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It felt like a meditative practice.
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It's made me think about the other mundane tasks that can have the same effect--when I pay attention.
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Unloading the dishwasher
Folding clothes
Washing the car
Making lunches
Organizing drawers
Walking
Showering
Driving
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We can all benefit from slowing down and paying attention. Maybe it's simply a form of mindfulness, but when we see our tasks as a form of meditation or prayer, it can change the way we approach them.
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Meditative practice can take place when we consciously slow our thoughts and our breath. Doing so while doing boring things can be particularly positive, and even become a way of self-care.
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This week:
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