How to be Present

 

I keep forgetting to show my progress on a cross stitch project I started last week or so. This is for our grandson and it might be an ornament to hang or a framed picture depending on which is easier for me. I am loving that the fabric is 14 Aida count and I can see it. Honestly, having older eyes is challenging. While I do enjoy the cross stitching and it reminds me of all the cross stitching in the past, knitting is my comfort zone. I don't really use my eyes for knitting like I do for cross stitching. 

This week has been glorious weather. I walk daily early in the morning when the elementary school bus does its rounds and I eagerly wave to the bus driver and the kids. Actually I wave to just about everyone that passes. The air is crisp and fresh. So so beautiful. 

On my walks, I try my best to be present. I go through my five senses to notice what is happening at the moment. For instance, I look for five different things, then listen for four different sounds, then feel three different things, then smell two different scents and lastly one taste.

sight: leaves changing, dog walker, cars passing, school bus, stop sign                              

sound: birds singing, car passing, the wind through the trees, tree frogs, 

feel: feet hitting the ground, Frodo's leash in my hand, sleeves of my clothes, 

smell: garbage day!, freshly cut grass

taste: lingering coffee 

You could do five items for each sense but I usually do not eat while I walk and I can't smell much unless it's strong odors. Let me know if you try this and tell me what you you think.

Two days ago I saw this little fella staring at me. He is bold and refused to move, lucky for me I was far away and I zoomed in for the photo.


Comments

  1. BonnySeptember 16, 2022 at 8:33 AM

    Your cross stitch is really adorable! This is the kind of weather I wait all summer for and I'm enjoying it also.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AsKatKnitsSeptember 16, 2022 at 8:59 AM

    This is my absolute favorite weather! I am savoring every second of it! Have a great weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Billie JoSeptember 16, 2022 at 9:50 AM

    Yes! Love this weather! Your cross stitch is precious. And I love the way you remain present during your walks. Thank you for sharing. Have a cozy weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  4. MaggieSeptember 16, 2022 at 10:43 AM

    Such a cute cross stitch! I want to, but always forget to do sensory practices like that. I like your countdown, more for the easy ones, less for the hard ones. I'm going it to try this way.

    ReplyDelete
  5. JaneSeptember 17, 2022 at 8:29 PM

    I am glad you are having some cool Fall days. We still have one foot in summer here. The cross stitch would make a darling tree ornament. What I've noticed on my walks is that some days it's sensations from one sense or another that predominate. I'm going to try your way of being present.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Judy S.September 18, 2022 at 9:00 PM

    That deer of yours must be a distant cousin to the one that visited us! Fun to catch up on what you've been doing. I love that cross stitch, and it makes me want to get one of my kits under way.

    ReplyDelete
  7. LovelySeptember 19, 2022 at 2:30 AM

    Your cross stich project is coming along great. Have a wonderful week!
    xoxo
    Lovely
    www.mynameislovely.com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hena TayebSeptember 19, 2022 at 4:18 PM

    That is such a pretty cross stitch pattern. There are deer everywhere at the moment.. really need to be extra careful when driving at night.

    ReplyDelete
  9. MarySeptember 19, 2022 at 6:08 PM

    I love your being present practice! I haven't been outside for a walk in weeks, but while not knitting, I've definitely been paying more attention ... I guess I should celebrate that as "being present"!

    ReplyDelete
  10. affectioknit2September 20, 2022 at 9:37 PM

    Hi Karen,
    ...what beautiful scenes...and what a cute cross stitch...I got a new one of a cat...that says Meow...it's just from Stuff-mart...but it's super cute...and I'm reading Stolen Focus...now and I'm planning on trying some of his ideas for being more focused and mindful...
    ~Have a lovely day!

    ReplyDelete

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