mindless type of anxious thinking, which varies from
so subtle I have to listen carefully to detect it at all, to
so dominant that almost nothing will deflect its
momentum. But even then, I can be aware of it and of
its consequences, and this awareness by itself helps
keep me from losing myself completely in the
turbulence of the mind in those moments. And, as
you might guess, this works going down the stairs
too, but here, because the momentum of gravity is
working for me, it's even more of a challenge to slow
things down.
TRY: To use ordinary, repetitive occasions in your
own house as invitations to practice mindfulness.
Going to the front door, answering the telephone,
seeking out someone else in the house to speak with,
going to the bathroom, getting the laundry out of the
dryer, going to the refrigerator, can all be occasions
to slow down and be more in touch with each present
moment. Notice the inner feelings which push you
toward the telephone or the doorbell on the first ring.
Why does your response time have to be so fast that
it pulls you out of the life you were living in the
preceding moment? Can these transitions become
more graceful? Can you be more where you find
yourself, all the time? Also, try being present for