Mindfulness is not a New Age concept, but rather a scientifically proven way to reduce blood pressure, stress, anxiety and depression. Simply stated, mindfulness is paying attention in the present moment without judgment. It can improve your health, promote happiness and even save your life.
How can it save your life? The simplest example would be driving. If you text and drive, you are not being mindful and you can have a terrible accident. Consider this incredible and true story. Two years ago a young woman was working in zoo and was assigned to clean a lion’s den. The lion was supposed to be secure in a separate cage, but the security gate did not fully close.
The woman entered the lion’s den, and began to talk on her cell phone. The lion opened the security gate came up behind her and with one swipe of his paw, broke her neck. She was on the phone the whole time and didn’t even know he was behind her. This is how mindfulness can save your life. Wisdom suggests it is best to pay attention in the lion’s den.
I have a wonderful photograph on my desktop computer which shows two young boys side by side. One tapping on his cell phone. The other dressed in a monk’s robe, holding a baby bird gently petting it — enjoying its beauty.
One boy is distracted, the other connected and aware of the present moment. One is focused on the digital age, the other at one with nature. Connecting with nature is a terrific way to practice mindfulness. I recently visited the Grand Canyon and understood this in many different ways.
When you go to the Grand Canyon for the first time, mindfulness is not an option, but a natural expression. When you first look at the Grand Canyon, you have no choice but to be awestruck.
You can sit for hours on a bench and be completely content without anything else to do.
But like any other thing in life, you can become complacent. There are countless stories that tour guides will tell you of people who died at the Grand Canyon because they lost awareness of the present moment. They challenged nature and paid the price.
Well-trained backpackers and survival experts have met their peril because of simple miscalculations. The depths of the Grand Canyon reach 120° and offer no safe haven for even the most experienced. People, who should know better, let their guard down and succumbed to the elements. What surprises me hearing the stories is how frequently they happen.
You would think that falling over accidentally into the Grand Canyon would be a rare event. Six to 12 people do it every year. Sadly, some while taking a selfie photograph on their iPhone. You are likely asking yourself, how could that happen? One split second of unawareness is all it takes.
The best lesson of mindfulness is noticing when you are unmindful. When I catch myself daydreaming or worrying and I bring myself back to the present, that is when I learned the most. Try this for yourself. Just notice when your minds wanders, and bring it back to the only time you can live, which is right now.
Matthew McQuaid, DPM is a board certified foot surgeon practicing in Lakeport. He is an award winning author who has a particular interest in Mind/Body medicine and its positive impact on health. Dr. McQuaid teaches classes at Sutter Lakeside Center for Health. For more information call (707) 263-3727.
