A Year of Mindfulness: The Bottom of Your Feet

This Memorial Day weekend was a lovely weekend to be mindful of the color blue, our mindfulness practice from the past week. The weather was amazing. The sky was blue and there was blue in the grass & leaves. I could even see blue in the bean seeds I planted and in the cucumber sprout that pushed its nose through the dirt. Glorious blue.

Where did you see the color blue the past week?

This Week’s Mindfulness Practice: Bottoms of Your Feet

Hmm, okay, that sounds a bit curious. Our mindfulness practice this week is to be aware of the bottoms of our feet. This includes sensations on the bottom of our feet from the floor or ground as well as heat or coolness.

So why would we want to be mindful of the bottoms of our feet? Well, as with other mindfulness practices involving our extremities we typically move through our day without thinking about our feet (or other extremities.) After-all, our feet are about as far from our head as we can get.

By becoming aware of the bottoms of our feet, we begin to feel our connection to Mother Earth, we become grounded, and we improve our balance. An excellent way to become mindful of the bottoms of our feet is to practice walking meditation. If done barefoot, the sensations on your feet become more apparent. However, simply walking can increase your awareness of the bottoms of your feet. The same with standing. (I enjoy rocking forward slightly & then back on my feet when standing for a period of time.)

The challenge with any movement is to keep your mind quiet and focused. This week become aware of the bottoms of your feet.

Reflection: The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance; the wise grows it under his feet. -James Oppenheim

Janus Bobble Totem

I’m continuing work on the design & construction of my bobble totems. On my first attempt, the body seemed to be a good size, but the gauge of wire and size of the base were not ideal.

With this next piece I figured out a better way to attach the head to the body. However, I am still struggling with appropriate size bases for the size of the totem’s body and overall balance of the piece.

I’m already working on my third trial piece and my approach to design & construction is getting better. I’m making notes in my sketch book on what steps I take on each piece; what worked, what didn’t work. Soon I hope to say “by jove, I think she’s got it!”

For now, please enjoy this second Janus Bobble Totem. Coloring was created with black acrylic wash and decorative chalks. Click on the first image to view the slideshow.

Daily Tarot: Temperance

Temperance, a lovely, gentle card representing the integration of opposites.  In the image, the woman holds a silver cup; silver represents the subconscious.  In her other hand she holds a gold cup; gold represents the conscious.  One cup contains fire, the other cup contains water; again you have opposites being integrated.

When you draw the Temperance card, it tells you that constant flow and balance are necessary to attain harmony.  Temperance represents moderation, having patience, the ability to compromise, to find satisfactory solutions, diplomacy, and cooperation.

Earlier this week we discussed the card Justice, which represents balanced thought.  Temperance represents balanced emotions.

Sometimes referred to as the Alchemist, Temperance represents the successful blending of opposites;  harmony between your desires and your needs.  You are mentally and emotionally in balance.

Zodiac affinity: Sagittarius

Quotable Monday

Choose an object that inspires you and allow it to assist you in restoring balance of mind and emotions.

Engage the focus on an inspiring object.

-Nischala Joy Devi