As I gather together my photographs from the mindful break project to compile them into an ebook, I’m blown away by the many small moments that I took the time to consciously witness. I’m struck, also, by the pictures that I did not take.
I had planned and written out most of the content for the ebook last month, so I had a fair idea of the quotes I would be including and the mindful practices I would be sharing with my peeps. Somewhere, at the back of my mind, I had a little checklist of the kind of images I would need to illustrate these quotes and practices. Now, as I look through the photographs that I do have, I find – at best – two or three photographs that were on my mental checklist, which tells me that this project took on a life of its own. And that is just as it should be.
These photographs serve as touchstones of the moments that touched my heart, brought me fully in alignment with myself, and made me simply quiet my monkey mind {even if only for a few moments} and observe life unfolding around me.
And as I scroll through #TheMindfulBreak hashtag on Instagram, my cup of joy runneth over!
I’m so very thankful for all the lovely people who joined me on this journey, whether they walked with me on all 15 days or just a few. My hope is that they took away as much or more than I did from this brief contemplation of mindfulness. I also owe a special debt of gratitude to Blogchatter, who championed this project the moment I mentioned it to them. Their support and confidence in The Mindful Break spurred me to put this project out in the world instead of spending months second guessing my instincts!
There are over 270 photographs there, all of them filled with positivity. There are moments of peace, of love, of celebration and joy, even of contemplation and solitude. Some moments took place within these 15 days, some are older moments, but you can see the presence, the now-ness, if you will, in all of the photographs.
That is the essence of mindfulness.
To be present. Fully and completely. In the current moment. And to observe the ebb and flow of life.
This is what is meant, I suppose, by the phrase: “life is lived within the pauses.”
This isn’t the end of The Mindful Break project, though!
If you would like to receive the Mindfulness ebook, do sign up for my newsletter, Gypsy Wanderings. You’ll get it delivered to your inbox with the next issue of the newsletter! And you’ll also get access to the Wanderer’s Library, which is stocked with some wonderful goodies, exclusively for my newsletter subscribers.
I also plan to make The Mindful Break into a yearly project.
While I mull over it, I would love to hear your views too!
I so loved your brain child “TheMindfulBreak”, Jini! Thoroughly enjoyed the 15 days of campaign. 🙂
And count me in for future seasons too! Kudos! 🙂
So glad you loved it. I loved seeing your photographs – some awesome clicks Saumy!!
Wonderful .Thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the MindfulbreaK. Want it twice a year on insta and blog.
Wonderful pics. I love the quote. Be present
Great to hear that Amrita! I’m thinking how to involve the blog…let me see what I can come up with!
Hey Jini,
I so enjoyed the mindful break. The last days I had to give up. But will for sure try to follow it regularly. And the hashtag stream on Insta was indeed so positive that gave such a positive feeling.
Hey Ramya! I loved seeing your photographs. And I’m so glad you would want to come back and do this again next year!!
The Mindful break is full of positivity and yes I wish for it to be organized once every month.
Once every month won’t be possible for me to manage Dixu. Once a year is definitely on!
Jini you are behind my successful entry into insta world! I would have never opened up without this mindfulbreak. I loved it though I couldnot post daily. I did find insta interesting. do make this happen more often
I’m so glad you entered Instagram through this project! It’s a lot of fun, really! And I’m thrilled that you loved the project. I loved seeing your mindful moments. 🙂
I should have contributed more however couldnt . I found this concept very very interesting and will like to contribute in the future for sure . Congrats Gypsy for introducing a wonderful concept
Thanks Anindya! I’m glad you could hop in, and I’ll look forward to seeing more of your amazing photography next time around! 🙂
I love your pictures and so wonderful that pictures that weren’t clicked even made an impression. It’s the power of mind. Lovely post!
Thank you Parul! It truly is the power of the mind, and so much to learn from just 15 days of mindfulness. 🙂
I’m trying to be mindful myself and I love this linkup of yours. Maybe next time I’ll try myself. Keep being mindful and keep inspired us to be as well ?
Thank you Naba! Do join in next time. It really helps, especially during stressful times, to take a mindful pause and then continue with your day.
Lovely photographs. I would like to become a part of the Mindful break next year.
Yay!! I’d love for you to join in! 🙂
A fabulous initiative and one I’m sure many benefitted from.
Thank you Corrine! Would love to have you join next time. 🙂
I enjoyed being part of this, Jini. It made me relax, truly. I wish you would make it an once every three month affair.