Am I Alive Check In
Welcome to another moment of Fishing Without Bait, a program dedicated to living life without rigid expectations. In this mindful lifestyle, we aim to participate actively rather than being mere observers. Join us as we delve into the art of being a human doing instead of just a human being. Today, we explore various techniques to ground ourselves in the present moment, fostering a sense of gratitude and awareness.
Setting the Stage: Let's start with a check-in. Where are you right now? Are you right here, in the present moment? Are you physically present and engaged?
Embracing the "I'm Alive" Check-In: Let's take a moment to perform an "I'm alive" check-in. I encourage you to close your eyes for a few moments, allowing yourself to embrace the darkness. Then, when you open your eyes, you can imagine seeing the world for the very first time. This check-in is best done in a private moment, where you can truly focus on your experience.
Have you ever had moments where you weren't fully present in your own life?
Let's try an exercise together. Close your eyes. Now, imagine you've never seen the world before. Can you describe the joy and wonder you might experience? Does it feel bright? Is it filled with intricate details—especially up close? Is it a heightened level of awareness?
Now, imagine if we could go through life, appreciating every moment as if we were seeing for the first time. Wouldn't that be amazing?
Embracing Silence: I've experienced moments of absolute silence by wearing earplugs. The deafening quiet was almost disturbing because I'm so accustomed to constant noise. Many people find silence uncomfortable and seek background noise to distract themselves from their thoughts. However, background noise often takes us away from the present moment. It hinders our ability to truly participate in and appreciate our lives.
Do you catch yourself seeking distractions or background noise, even when it may not be necessary?
By cultivating moments of silence, we can connect with ourselves and our surroundings on a deeper level. It helps us embrace the joy of existence and be fully present. I encourage our listeners to find stillness in their lives, even if it's just for a few minutes each day.
Exploring the Senses: Have you ever closed your eyes while eating? I challenge everyone, including myself, to close their eyes while eating and truly savor the experience. By focusing solely on the taste, texture, and aroma of the food, we can engage all our senses and mindfully appreciate the act of nourishing ourselves.
Final Thoughts:
By incorporating these simple mindfulness practices into our lives, we can reconnect with the present moment and develop a profound sense of gratitude. I invite each of you to accept the challenge of embracing an "Am I alive" check-in at least once a day. Let's participate in life fully, appreciating the richness of every moment.
Lastly, I challenge each one of us to dedicate 15 minutes of our day to absolute silence. This exercise allows us to be present and receptive, rather than constantly pursuing external stimuli. Instead of chasing after thoughts, let them come and go naturally. It's an opportunity to detach from the busyness and cultivate gratitude.
To explore more of this concept, check out our related podcast episode.
