February 13, 2015

Everyday Mindfulness: Hello and Goodbye


A memory of hello: I'm working upstairs on the computer, doing something that feels important, like processing my photographs or writing an article. Mark walks in the house. I yell downstairs, "Hi, baby!" Though, in truth, I barely take a moment to pause. I continue to work, to push ahead. Yet I feel disconnected and Mark feels, perhaps, unseen. (Since this event, I've changed my actions. I stop whatever I'm doing and greet him at the door.)

A memory of goodbye: I'm at Mayo clinic hospital, in a small room surrounded by tight corridors. My sisters and I must say goodbye to dad before he's wheeled off for heart surgery. I'm not worried but the moment is poignant. That hug, that "I love you," that "goodbye," I'll never forget. It makes me wonder: what if I treat each goodbye in this way?

Everyday mindfulness is buoyed by small pauses. Little breaks throughout the day. These breaks wake us from trance and bring us back to aliveness. They remind us what's most important. Saying "hello" and saying "goodbye" are natural places for pause. Thirty seconds is all it takes. Thirty seconds of eye contact, full attention, and genuine care. It's a benefit to both the giver and the receiver. Imagine all the greetings you provide in a typical day. Now imagine them as purposeful pauses, as places to slow down and make human connection.

Goodbye. Thanks for your kind attention. Thanks for your love and support. The light inside me honors the light inside you. I wish you well.

8 comments:

  1. this post is just wonderful. It is such a good place to start with any relationship, mindfully greeting each other. Phew, good to have the reminder. yes. I think this is a real cornerstone. That truly acknowledging someone's presence. Thank you Joy, for your eloquent words and reminder. This is a big one for me xx

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  2. Thanks for the reminder...hellos and goodbyes are great places to pause and remember what's important. I always enjoy and learn from your writing, Joy!

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  3. I appreciate you all taking time to comment. Your words mean the world to me.

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  4. Giving attention to others is so important. I am so guilty of not really engaging. Thank you so much for the reminder.

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    1. cathy, how do you greet yourself? i think self-kindness is just as important: looking into our own eyes and saying hello. remember to do this, too. :)

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  5. Thank you so much for this important reminder. I also try to smile on the streets, in the store when I meet people I don't know. Oh my that helps. Hugs /Agnes

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    1. i agree, agnes, smiling at strangers is good medicine.

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