Hello and welcome to part 9 of mindfulness @ Christmas.
Today we are going to think about being mindful while shopping. This time of year the shops are very busy with people and Christmas shopping is something you have to prepare yourself for.
We will be looking at how you can be present during this task, so you do not get caught up in the chaos, instead can stay grounded, relaxed and maybe even enjoy the experience for a change.
So take a moment, get comfortable and lets connect with todays task.
***Music starts***
Gently close your eyes, adjust your shoulders, your hips, let your body relax.
Breathe in deeply, breathe out deeply.
Allow your mind and body a few moments to slow down.
Enjoy a few moments to stop.
Imagine you are out Christmas shopping, the people moving around you, the shop signs, the festive music and window displays. Take it all in for a moment.
Notice how you stand, how your weight is in your feet, shopping bag on your arm, list in your hand.
Feel the pressure change across the soles of your feet as you walk. Notice how people move around you, some moving slowly, some in a hurry. You might even notice someone sipping a coffee sitting on a bench, enjoying the world go by.
Take a moment to focus on what your list says. You head to the shop to get your first item, focus on the item completely for the next few minutes as you shop. The colour options you have, sizes, textures. Allow yourself to focus completely on the item.
When you have the item in your hand, take yourself to the check out. It is Christmas time so standing in line is a given.
However this is the perfect time for you to have a moment for yourself. Breathe in deeply and out deeply, focus on your breath as you stand and wait. Let the stillness surround you as you wait.
This is the perfect moment for you to rest. You cannot be anywhere else, you cannot make the line move faster. So allow yourself to enjoy this rare moment where you just stand.
Notice how it feels to gently shift your weight from foot to foot, be aware of how the pressure moves around your feet. Enjoy the moment.
Then before you know it, you have paid for your item and set yourself to item two.
Notice how being focused on one task at a time allows you to stay calm and your mind to still.
Saver the moments while you have to stand in line today. You might then realise you have spent 20 minutes of your shopping trip, being mindful and focused on yourself.
So not only have you completed your shopping list, you have also given yourself time to be present.
Enjoy your mindful shopping task today. One item at a time, all the little things add up to the big picture.
Take one more deep breath in and out.
Gently wiggle your fingers and your toes, softly open your eyes.
Thank you for listening.
***Music ends***
Grounded in Stillness 