Practicing Mindfulness

Dear Community of the Ignatian Spiritual Life Center (ISLC),

During this Lenten season my intention has been to practice mindfulness. The ISLC's Tuesday Morning Mindfulness group provided inspiration for this journey. I find that carving out time to gather for our weekly communal prayer, meditation and sharing transforms my day. This Lent I committed to exploring different ways to practice mindfulness - to be aware of God's presence, aware of the communities I am part of and aware of my own mind and body.

So I took to the spiritual streets and asked everyone I could think of about their own mindfulness practices, I tried a practice of meditation with the San Francisco Sound Meditation Group and last week, I walked from home to the ISLC for the first time (a lovely 3.5 mile stroll through Golden Gate Park) as a way to witness nature, unplug and create an intention for the day ahead.

Interspersed in this season of mindfulness there were also (many) days where I thought I was too busy to be mindful, reminding me that mindfulness is not something that we succeed at or complete. Rather, mindfulness is a practice that is continually revealed to us through our daily lives, our community and our God. It is a way of being in the world where we cultivate and rediscover our interconnectedness, holiness and love.

With all that is unfolding in our world and country, a practice of mindfulness is a way for us to stay rooted in our relationship with God, to be more aware of our needs and desires, and to be able to witness the needs of our community with renewed eyes, ears and hearts. As we enter into Holy Week, the Easter Season & Springtime, I invite you to make a new commitment to a practice of mindfulness. Join us at the ISLC this month for Holy Yoga, Tuesday Morning Mindfulness and our monthly prayer for peace. To see all that's happening, Click Here for the full calendar. 

As you discover and explore mindfulness comment on this blog post or send us a note to share about practices that are meaningful to you! 

Peace & Prayers, 
​Natalie