A Tomato

This quote by Jack Kornfield and Christina Feldman captures the essence of how mindfulness enriches my life . . .

“In the complexities of our minds and lives we easily forget the power of attention, yet without attention we live only on the surface of existence. It is simple attention that allows us to truly listen to the song of a bird, to see deeply the glory of an autumn leaf, to touch the heart of another and to be touched.”

Yesterday evening when I was preparing a salad, I took the time to notice the vegetables I was slicing. What a yellow, red a tomato is! How fresh it smelled when I held to my nose! And the intricate design of its interior is amazing! How many years have I cut a tomato? For the first time, I actually experienced the miracle of it.

For me, awareness is the difference between a shallow experience of the moment and a deeper, more meaningful one.

Mindful Tip:

When preparing a meal, stop and marvel at a vegetable or a fruit. Hold it to your nose. Try to name its exact color. Feel the weight and shape of it in your hand. This brief practice can be a celebration of nature’s treasures.