According to positivepsychology.com mindfulness is critical for our mental health/wellness. They define it as “being fully present and non judgmentally aware of the current moment.” In my early days of focused recovery, I began hearing about “being in the moment” or mindfulness. I knew basically nothing about it, and it mystified me. As it turned out, nature was my biggest teacher and doorway to experientially understanding it.

Mental health month is a great time to revisit mindfulness. What direct experiences with mindfulness have you had? In what ways has it changed your mental health for the better? Years ago, I wrote about one such experience where mindfulness found me. I share it below. I hope this experience resonates with some of your own.

I came to the trail that day with a very heavy heart, much sadness, and little hope. Anxiety followed.

As I hiked, I noticed one of the first signs of spring—a little green bud. I got closer to look and noticed it was surrounded by a long, thick thorn and curly wooden growth. I was fascinated. I started taking pictures. It spoke to me about the journey of my life. The recent events of my life were utterly unfathomable. My life‘s journey, so twisted and circuitous. Along with it, the very sharp and ominous thorn that I felt had pierced the depths of my being. And yet, like the bud in the middle, there was beauty. New life, growth, hope were all there. It spoke profoundly to my heart.

I was so engrossed in that moment. Fascinated by nature emulating my life, I forgot about all the “baggage” I carried with me when I started hiking the trail that day. I realized at that moment, I was truly “in the moment!” The past was not haunting me. I was not worried about the future. I felt no fear. I felt no pain. And, even more so, I realized I was actually feeling a little bit of joy. In that moment, the “collateral beauty” of mindfulness found me too!

Cheri Thomas

Cheri works as a Peer Support Specialist for RI in Arizona. She has experienced loss and grief which has led her to write for the masses to bring voice to those in similar situations. Cheri possesses a deep passion to share with, encourage, and inspire others on what she calls the Journey of the Heart.