A close friend, an exceptional executive coach, recently shared her aspiration to lead a more intentional and dynamic life. Intrigued, I asked her to elaborate on what that meant to her. She explained that it involved embracing activities that bring her joy, such as attending live music events, immersing herself in nature, caring for animals, and experimenting in the kitchen with culinary creations.
A week later, on a Friday evening, I found myself unexpectedly wandering through the aisles of Home Depot, a massive home improvement store. To my surprise, I felt content—even excited—as I strolled through the nearly empty space, surrounded by towering shelves of merchandise, with upbeat pop music playing in the background.
My friend’s words came to mind, and I playfully asked myself, “Is this Home Depot outing on a Friday night an example of dynamic living?” In that moment, the answer was a resounding “Yes.” It reminded me that this moment, right now, is the only one I truly have. Immersed in the task of finding shelves to enhance my home’s order and beauty, I felt a genuine sense of appreciation and happiness.
Shopping for shelves isn’t extraordinary or typically considered fun. Yet, by tuning into the moment and savoring the experience, I transformed the mundane into something meaningful. I noticed the upbeat music, appreciated the variety of options available, and felt grateful for the helpful employees and even the other shoppers. Gratitude for these simple elements made the experience extraordinary.
So, what does “living a dynamic life” mean to you?
Research from Harvard suggests that our happiness depends less on what we’re doing and more on where our mind is while doing it. The study found that a focused mind is a happier one—and that, on average, we’re not fully present about 47% of the time. By bringing attention to even the simplest of tasks, we can amplify our happiness and infuse our lives with dynamism.
Abraham Maslow put it beautifully:
“Appreciate again and again, freshly and naively, the basic goods of life, with awe, pleasure, wonder, and even ecstasy, however stale these experiences may have become to others.”
Give it a try!
Consciously direct your awareness to the moment at hand. While brushing your teeth, savor the taste of the toothpaste, feel the water in your mouth, and listen to the sound of the brush against your teeth. During a conversation with a colleague or loved one, listen wholeheartedly. Notice when your thoughts wander—it’s natural—and gently guide them back to the present moment. Even mundane tasks like washing dishes can become an opportunity for mindfulness: feel the warmth of the water, enjoy the scent of the soap, and listen to the sounds around you. And if you find yourself strolling through a store on a Friday night, why not sing along with the Muzak?
May you discover dynamism in your life through simple, mindful awareness of the everyday.
_______________________________
To learn more:
- Workshops for you and your Organization
- Schedule a free 20-minute Chat with Terre Passero, founder of Mindful Stress Management
- YouTube for guided mindfulness practices and talks about stress, the brain, and the body
Leave a Reply