Reflections

May 2, 2017

This week in my 8-week Mindfulness Tools for Health and Wellness class, we are looking at the assignment to notice a “pleasant event” each day. Participants are asked to complete a calendar each day, noting an event – this does not have to be something big like a party – and jotting down the thoughts, feelings, and bodily experiences they recall having at the time of the event. They are asked to notice how it feels while recording the experience. The calendar boxes are small so there is no need to tell a big story about the event. This activity is a way to encourage us to look at the pleasant in our lives even in the face of difficult situations.

I lead a short meditation asking people to recall one pleasant experience they can remember. Because mindfulness is about being present, people often wonder, “Can you be present and think about the past?” We do spend much of our time thinking about the past or worrying about the future. This can be troublesome when we are lost in our thoughts not noticing the present moment or worrying about the “what ifs”, all the things that could happen in our lives. We can miss big parts of our lives this way.  This does not mean we have to give up reviewing what’s happened in the past or are not allowed to dream about the future. We can do this mindfully, with intention, and that is what we are doing in class.

Then, we break up into smaller groups where I ask people to share the thoughts, emotions or bodily sensations they recall. People do not have to tell the “story” of the event but that is hard not to do. It is okay if they do. The conversations in the groups are lively and, I can see they are enjoying telling about the pleasant events they recalled. Then, we come back as a bigger group. Because it is spring, which unfolds slowly in Vermont, we are noticing sounds and sights of birds at the feeders, green leaves sprouting on trees, and our lawns that will soon need mowing. People are beginning to tend gardens, notice lovely sunsets and sparkling night skies. We share about sweet time with children, walking dogs and the wildflowers by the roadside.  

What are the qualities of “pleasant?” We may notice feelings of calmness or relaxation, or at times, we are energized and ready to go. As we share, there are smiles on our faces. Sharing pleasant seems infectious. But we also notice that we don’t want pleasant to go away. This is common. We sometimes find ourselves holding on, hoping that these pleasant feelings or sensations won’t go away. We may say, "I wish this would always be true." All of us know that pleasant “events” come and go in our lives. But it is also worthy to note that pleasant can happen at the same time as difficulties. We can allow the pleasant feelings to linger in our thoughts or, perhaps recall them when things get tough.

With a laugh, I say, “And guess what we are going to look at next week”? They know immediately, “Unpleasant”! Mindfulness practice asks us to notice both pleasant and unpleasant. This can help us be more resilient in our lives.  Maybe you can spend some time each noticing something that's pleasant. Bring awareness to the moment and notice your experience. For the moment, I’m going to let the smiles we shared linger a little longer. I’ll leave “unpleasant” for the next reflection.