Hands filled with my bag for school and breakfast placed in a container without a lid for the bus; I'd be rushing out the door hoping not to miss it. My father always suggested to get up 10 minutes earlier so I wouldn't have to rush. He did his best to get me up; turning the hallway light on, vacuuming near my door. Before bed I would say to my dad "I will get up early tomorrow" to only receive a chuckled smile back to me. Every morning was the same, sleeping in then rushing out the door. My father was so patient. He IS still so patient. I have learned many things from the man but one most memorable skill he continuously reminded me of as a youth was telling me, as I began leaving the house, to "pay attention". He was teaching me mindfulness from the get go! My dad, John, is a true hippy at heart.

Pay Attention,

in school

on the road

to others while they speak to you

to how you feel

to your body alignment

to what you are placing into your body

to what is calling for you

to the melody

I am always aware of my presence in a room and how I influence others. I practice speaking kindly of others and to myself. I pay attention to how others are feeling in each moment & over time. Our actions and values have a major impact on this planet ~ to people, animals, and this earthy Earth. We must walk with compassion and empathy and not of ego nor apathy. The moment we begin to pay attention the more present to the moment we become. I am guilty of getting my head wrapped into the possibilities of the future, I catch myself daydreaming.

The here and now. The here and now.

Breathing is a big one. Paying attention to our breath has the ACTUAL POWER to lower your heart rate & activate your parasympathetic nervous system. This awakening that comes from filling our lungs is magical. This is why I love yoga class - one hour of reminders to take life in. Lately in my practice, I have become much more aware of my body alignment & how to best express myself in a safe yet expanding position. In yoga I am not pulled outward in any direction. All I do is go inward. I pay attention. I do this by listening to my body and guide my movements through my own breath. It has taken many years to accept that expanding my diaphragm is fundamental in calming the frick down. I only thought it was something I could practice when anxious or overwhelmed. Taking long full breaths is what I do often. I check in. Things that are good for us require effort. proper posture, healthy eating habits, getting to bed at a reasonable hour. I could couch potato, eat chips and stay up till 3 am tonight if I wanted (I have & its been great, not gonna deny that). But this is not sustainable. We must pay attention to our thoughts and actions when we set goals and intentions. Are we swaying away from our desires or our we too obsessed?

This being a human thing is crazy.

do this but not too much. do that more. hmmm well probably not that. sometimes, sure.

Life is black and white and colour all over.

If we only payed attention to that person, place, activity, job right in front of us would we be more kinder and present than before? I say yes. What ever tomorrow brings just pay attention to the road god dammit, pay attention to the noises around you and those gut feelings in your tummy.

I wish you well & hope people are paying attention to you because you are a one of a kind wildflower .

Reach out when it is right for you.

xoxoxx Zoey Fern.