Exercise: Several times a day let your hands relax completely. For at least a few seconds, let them be completely still. One way to do this is to place them in your lap and then focus your awareness on the subtle sensations in the quiet hands.
I will confess up front that my mind was somewhat preoccupied during this exercise week and not really focused on the mindfulness task of resting my hands. I know that my nature is to keep moving and that staying still is difficult for me. That I can keep a job where I sit at a desk most of the day is pretty amazing. If it were not for my yoga and meditation teachers, I don’t think I would have learned the importance of being still.
Even if I don’t have a formal sitting practice during the day, I try to remember to make time for moments to be still and reflect. I have found that doing this is the equivalent of throwing myself a life raft, something to keep me afloat and above the waves of stress and busyness that want to pull me under. How did I ever manage without this practice? So much growth happens for me in the stillness.
Pausing I rest my hands, palms turning upward. This is the gesture of the Buddha, a being who is known for his qualities of being peaceful, loving, and full of gratitude. Today and everyday I am grateful for all my teachers and these moments of quiet reflection.
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