Clearing your plate while shopping for dinner

In the wake of recent events, and as a global citizen, it was necessary that I eventually bring up the triad of dairy department scourges; light cheese, past date whipped cream and yogurt made with sugar substitute. All of these things are occasionally brought home by mistake if one is not paying attention. But the true question is: where is our attention wandering off to anyway? Most likely floating around in a mental list of "to dos" and "should ofs".

Because it is human nature to keep loop of ones achievements, afflictions and sufferings running through one's mind at all times, it's a nice exercise (if not an utter relief) to step back from your chattering mind for a short time. Make friends with the red light -- you're going to have to sit there anyway. Use those few moments to breathe deeply and let your body relax into the seat.

Deepak Chopra says that we have 50-60,000 thoughts a day and that 90% of them are negative. I don't know how "they" measured this, but it does seem likely that a great majority of these thoughts are connected to the pressure we put on ourselves to have a "productive day". Daily errands are a great way to practice mindfulness on the go and give your soul a break from all that drama and judgment thrust upon it.

One rather entertaining way is to shop like you're from another planet. It doesn't take any longer than usual to examine the texture of the radicchio before you buy it, or make a pact to smile widely at every person you make eye contact with. Move swiftly through the store but open up your peripheral vision and notice the colours around you. Try not to mentally name what you see, but simply let it pass by and acknowledge the life and vitality bustling all around you.

Don't wait for it; this is life and it's a miracle.

***

Empty your mind of all thoughts.
Let your heart be at peace.
Watch the turmoil of beings,
but contemplate their return.

Each separate being in the universe
returns to the common source.
Returning to the source is serenity.

~ from the 16th verse of the Tao Te Ching