“Try to learn to breathe deeply, really taste food when you eat, and when you sleep, really sleep. Try as much as possible to be wholly alive with all your might, and when you laugh, laugh like hell. And when you get angry, get good and angry. Try to be alive. You will be dead soon enough.” – Ernest Hemingway
My favorite Hemingway quote. I often wonder if he knew when he wrote it that he was telling us to be mindful while living our life. What he is expressing is for us to be fully alive, no matter what we are doing.
Most people think that being mindful is about being positive all the time. That’s not true. It’s about being present and letting each situation be what it is. Not living in the past nor worrying about the future, be present and fully engaged in what you are doing at this very moment.
As I checked my Instagram yesterday, I noticed that someone I had admired and listened to had unfollowed me. Typically, this stuff never bothers me, but I was so upset. I got good an upset. This Instagram game of letting me follow you so I can get you to follow me so I can then unfollow you is a waste of everyone’s time.
I’ve had a hundred or more individuals that are trying to promote their businesses do this to me. For me, I don’t see how this helps their business. They are deceptive to people to get their attention, instead of making genuine connections with people. I did something I would never do. I sent them a message and told them exactly what I thought.
Even Hemingway says when you get angry to get “good and angry.” It doesn’t mean you seek revenge or hurt that other person. Being mindful is about acknowledging that another person upset you, and you recognize that. I was aware, because at that moment, I was upset, and I let that be known.
The moment I finished letting them know, I immediately felt better. I didn’t worry about it any longer.
Your mindfulness challenge for this week is two parts:
First, recognize when someone has irritated you or upset you.
Let them know what they did and how it affected you.
If you are uncomfortable telling that person, then write it down. Write a letter to yourself or them; either one is fine.
Notice that has you are telling them or writing them how the feeling of being upset is leaving your body.
Your letting go.
The second part is to recognize a situation that you find funny or enjoyable.
With every part of you, be alive at that moment. Laugh from your belly. Laugh until you cry.
Be alive as much as possible.
Be like Hemingway.
If you would like to read a Hemingway classic try, The Old Man and The Sea
Or The Complete Short Stories of Ernest Hemingway.
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