Journaling prompts 8/16/2020

[littledragon]

“Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).” – James Baraz”

What does it mean to you to “be present”? What does it mean to you to do something “mindfully”? Does it sound good? Or like a chore?

Who do you know who feels very present when they are with you? What do they do? How do they act that makes them so present?
What parts of your life are most distracting? What's stopping you from being THERE?

When do you have a hard time letting go and being ‘here’ in the moment? When do you “check out”? What are you checking out behaviors (i.e. I check Facebook, check email too much, etc.)

What are some events in your life you feel guilty about not being present for? Are you feeling guilty because you actually wanted to be there or is this an outside pressure?

Make a list. What activities take most of your time? Which activities do you enjoy? Which ones nurture you? What's necessary? What simply a time suck?

How do you show that you're listening? Write what your body language is, your voice, your feelings, when you are focused on someone. Then, what does your body language, voice, etc. look like when you are only half focused?

Think back to a time you agreed to do something that was a Hell YEAH I want to do this! type of event for you. Maybe it was difficult or inconvenient, but you were thrilled to do it anyways. How did that feel? What happened?

Describe a time you’ve agreed to do something that is not a “hell yeah” only “I guess I should.” How does it feel when you’re saying yes – how does your body feel, your thoughts, what do you tell yourself that makes you say yes?  How does it feel when you’re doing the task?

What have you recently said ‘yes’ to that is not a ‘hell yes’ in your life?

Does focusing on your breath help you sit with feelings of anger or fear?  When do you most need to “just breathe?” What keeps you from pausing – notice and write about your thoughts.

What things do you tell yourself you will be present “once this is finished”? What are you waiting for in your life?

What do you do to recharge yourself? Are there things, big or small you would like to do to get in touch with yourself now? How can you start doing one of them? (Sounds  like yoga!)

Does it feel like a waste of time to you to be present and mindful while doing something like washing dishes? Is it ‘wrong’ to be thinking of other things while washing dishes? If you’re trying to lead a mindful life and find yourself not being mindful, do you guilt yourself about it?

That's a segue into my last question for the night, What events or activities are you easily present and engaged in? Which ones bring you back into your body, here in the moment?



Tonight's prompts are from: https://bouncebackparenting.com/journal-prompts-on-presence-and-mindfulness/