Shut off autopilot.

The tile is cold under my feet, and even with my socks on those six short steps feel chilly. I lean my stomach against the side of the tile counter. I spin the silver Keurig holder searching for my morning brew: Folgers lively Columbian, Kahlua original light roast, or Folgers Caramel drizzle. It spins easily and realize this is such a familiar routine for me to go through that it is easy to take for granted.

I stop for a second and observe this little corner of the counter with my Keurig tucked into the corner. The soft blue glow from the water area of the Keurig is welcoming. I note that my breath is smooth and fluid, and there is a mild anticipation in my body as it longs to fulfill my caffeine craving. My fingers pluck a Keurig cup out of the holder by the circular edges, it feels almost weightless as my hand travels up and to the right. It drops easily into the hole in the Keurig. My right hand glides over the silver handle and slowly pushes it down toward the Keurig pod. I make sure that my thumb isn’t under the handle only my four fingers rest on the top. There is a slight resistance and I apply a bit of pressure and feel the top of the pod give way and the soft sound of the foil on top being punctured is alive in my ears. It now sounds like my Keurig is making a soft hiss and click noise as it signals to me that I can select my cup size and push the silver button that is lit up with a blue glow around it.

My mug is cool and solid in my hand as I slid it into position and use my right pointer finger to press the button, barely any pressure required. The Keurig starts to make a humming bubbling noise as the water starts to boil, there is a slight pause in noise before a hot stream of water pushes it way out. The familiar sound of running water pouring into a cup makes my body relax and I sigh. The stream of water is filled with that scent that brings pleasant feelings. The sound of the Keurig shifts slightly as the stream of water slows, drips, and then stops completely.

As I grasp the mugs handle in my hand I am aware of a warmth emanating from the ceramic mug. The weight of the cup is substantial now and I bring it up to my face to feel the warm steam and smell the delicious brew…

Mindfulness is the act of being in the present; bringing one’s attention to the present moment and what’s happening in the moment. What is happening in your mind and body? Observe and don’t judge.

If we were having coffee I would share with you about my seedlings. I had started a number of seeds a few weeks ago in doors and they are doing well. I am excited to get the greenhouse set this weekend and move all my seedlings out there. Planting and gardening is another activity that I enjoy for being in the moment with the earthy smells and the cool damp soil.

If we were having coffee I would tell you that my older boy’s birthday party went well. We had 10 wild boys playing laser tag. The theme this year was Super Mario.

If we were having coffee I would tell you that we finally had some nice weather and the snow is gone. The weekend weather is promising so we shall see.

How was your week?

By Shari Marshall – 2019