Jon Heydenreich | The Mindful Minute: An Experiment

Here is an experiment in mindfulness. Select a tree and watch it. Every day, take note of the way in which it changes in this season of change.

We do not notice such changes in the summer as the trees really do not change much from day to day. I suggest this experiment as I think, if you are like me, I rarely “notice” the trees with such clarity. It is usually when the leaves have changed quite a bit that I finally “see” or "notice” them.



But those changes had been taking place incrementally each day. I did not see them. I suspect it will take a dollop of discipline to stop and watch that tree.

The ironic thing is that it will take discipline to do something, like seeing the tree, and the act of watching the tree will take just a minute. If you are able to do this, I am betting it provides something of a perspective on the passage of time and what little we actually control. It also moves us to be attuned to the changes of nature.

I also think it fosters a deeper appreciation for the gifts of nature. At a minimum that minute of noticing slows down and perhaps, alters, the mind chatter. And it is that chatter which usually holds our attention captive.

We can set ourselves free – if but for a moment. Be mindful of all that is around..