Corruption by Italian leaders and the mafia has led to Italians’ recognition that little can be trusted. How negative! Wait! Let’s not judge this as being completely a “bad thing.” Because one positive result is that Italians are less likely to be taken advantage of and thereby less likely to reinforce those who are dishonest. But a more interesting advantage is that Italians tend to feel that the only thing that they can trust for sure is what they experience with their own senses. At least this is what Luigi Barzini, author of The Italians, believes. He says that Italians expect people in business and government to be dishonest and corrupt, but that they have high expectations for their musicians, barristas, cooks, wine-makers, tailors, craftsman, ballerinas, actors, and directors.

So there are two “take-aways” from today’s blog:

1. 1. Be careful about judging things as being “bad” because many positive things can come from tragedy and other seemingly negative things in life.
2. 2. Live like an Italian. Get out of your mind and into your senses much more often. Be in touch with your senses on a day to day basis. Take time to savor the aromas, flavor and texture of food, wine, coffee, etc. Really listen to the subtleties of music and the sounds of nature. Enjoy the sounds, sights, physical sensation, and smell of nature.

By Dr. Jennifer L. Abel

A major premise of my book, Active Relaxation, is to learn strategies that you can use without stopping your flow of activity.  No matter where you are or what you are doing you can focus on what you see, what you hear, and what you feel. Even when it is very quiet you can hear the sound of your breathing and even when your eyes are closed, you can see the back of your eyelids.  Of course, sometimes you may see or smell things too.  Try changing the wallpaper on your computer and phone such that when you see it you will be reminded to focus on the moment.  Change the ringtone on your phone as a reminder as well. Remember it’s not necessary for you to stop in order to be mindful and you can enjoy the relaxation that focusing on your senses brings without sacrificing, and likely even improving your productivity.

Jennifer L. Abel, Ph.D.

author of “Active Relaxation: How to Increase Productivity and Achieve Balance by Decreasing Stress and Anxiety”

Go for a walk noticing how the landscape changes as you move forward.  Noticing the wind.  Feeling it, hearing it in your ear and in the trees, and seeing how it moves trees, leaves, and clouds. Focusing on all of your senses, letting your mind float freely amongst them and eliminating one sense at a time on which to focus until you’re focusing primarily on one sense.  Hearing the birds, wind, crickets, cars, lawnmowers etc.  Seeing plants, animals, and architecture.  Smelling honeysuckles, BBQs, earth, or maybe fresh cut grass.  Feeling the wind, the ground beneath your feet, and the movement of your limbs.   Focusing primarily on three senses, then two, then one.  Even though you will likely be aware of all of your senses, focusing most of your awareness on the senses you choose as you pare down to one.  Then move back up, noticing what is most relaxing to you.

Walking Mindfulness (right click to download)

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