Mindfulness in Action: Practical Tips for Being Present

First off, welcome September 2024! We have been waiting for you after our run of hot days in August. I hope you all enjoy the cooler temps, too.

Let’s talk about being “Present and Mindful” for this month.

Most of our days are spent getting through the tasks of life. There’s no better time than the month of September to slow down and do this. Here’s why.

The Months Prior to September are Busy!

Early spring to the end of summer is a busy time for most people. In May, we attend outdoor activities, graduation parties and so much more. Come June, sports events are in full force and weddings are happening everywhere. We can’t forget how busy July can be. We all start off the month with huge celebrations with a bang on the 4th of July. The weather is hot and pool time is a must. Vacations are on many families planners with various exciting activities. Then, there’s the hustle and bustle getting the kids back to school. If you are a parent of a college student, you know the work that can take.

Speaking of Back to School…

Tip 1 – Build School Memoires

School is moving towards year round in many states, even if it’s extended “Summer School” or “Enrichment Programs.” We have that little space of time in September to reflect before the school year gets crazy and the holidays begin.

Take some time in September to reflect on the school years from past to present.

Wishing all the parents and students a wonderful and successful school year! I hope you build some cherished memories that will last forever.

Enjoy the Changing Season

Tip 2 – Find a Quiet Place to Just Relax

September is a great time to reflect on the changing season. It goes so fast. Find a place where’s it’s quiet and take in as much as you can. Here in the Midwest, it’s too cold in our winters and too hot in the summer to get outside on a regular basis. Our fall season is a perfect time to get outdoors and relax. 🙂

September is the Month to Do Something for You!

Tip 3 – Pick an Activity Just for You!

Maybe you would like to paint outside now the weather is cooling down. I know this is a goal I have for September. We have a deck with table and chairs so that’s where you’ll find me. As, I’ve mentioned in past blogs, art always takes me out of my head and helps me think better. It’s relaxing and clears my brain for awhile. 🙂

I also like to read outside, even if it gets a little chilly. As long as the sun is shining, I’ll be there.

Stop and Explore Nature

Tip 4 – Observe Nature

Take a walk and observe the changes.

Since I plan to do some art, I hope to find different kind of leaves for stamping to make cards with. If you are a crafter, let us know your favorite fall project.

Bake or Create a Fall Recipe

Tip 5 – Yum!

Explore the different recipes out there and make one to bring the fall smell into your home. Be mindful as you bake and create and enjoy the process.

It looks like apple and pumpkin spice has already started on all the social media pages I visit and has for sometime now. If you have read my posts in the past, I’ve shared lots of recipes. Now it’s your turn to share with us. What’s your favorite fall recipe?

Do you have any mindful tips you’d like to share?

Please leave your thoughts in the comment section below.

Goodreads Challenge Update 2024

On track so far….

Books I’ve read this past month:

Packed full of interesting stories, “The Dorito Effect: The Surprising New Truth About Food and Flavor,” by Mark Schatzker had answers to many questions I had.

Why chicken today isn’t as tasty as our grandmother’s chicken when I was growing up?
How about tomatoes and the ones our grandfather grew in his garden? They were so big and tasted so fresh!
It all made perfect sense to me after reading this book.

Oh, and you don’t have to be a scientist to understand the content in this book. It’s informative with various studies.

I enjoyed this book and have started further reading on the subjects in this book.

This is the second book I’ve read by author, Mark Schatzker, “The End of Craving: Recovering the Lost Wisdom of Eating Well.” The first one was, “The Dorito Effect.” Reading them back to back helped with more understanding and the food we eat.

There are studies after studies on how our food has changed over the years and how it’s highly processed. Some for the good, but not all.

After reading this (these) books, one will have a more clear understanding on what we put into our body on a regular basis. How our brains process what we eat and react to certain cravings.
With foods being highly loaded with vitamins nowadays, which some may need, some not, are we really eating the (real) foods we need to nourish our bodies?
Many questions came to mind and I found myself researching more on the subjects presented in this book.

I appreciated the explanations and comments for each chapter at the back of the book. There are many pages for further reading suggestions stated by the author, as well.

I’m looking forward to reading more of his books.

My past two books you just read about lead me to this one.

“The Taste of Country Cooking,” Edna Lewis. It’s not really a cookbook with recipes you’ll find yourself making, as “some of” the ingredients are not available to us today. You will however, enjoy the stories and history behind them.

What really led me to this book, were the two books I reviewed above. It makes one think about how much of our foods are processed and biochemically altered nowadays.

The recipes in this book come from homegrown vegetables, ingredients and animals raised on a farm. What Edna’s family had to do just to prepare a meal is way beyond what most of us would do today. The amounts of food served at meals were another thing most of us wouldn’t eat. You have to remember how very hard they physically had to work on their farms in the early 1900s.

My favorite chapters were reading about her memories from her holidays and the meals which were prepared and the stories behind them.

If you enjoy learning about history and the preparation of “real” Southern food, you will enjoy this one.

Speaking of Books…

Our author friend, Julie Gorges has this exciting news to share.

Click on the image below to read about it on her Facebook page.

Don’t forget to follow her Facebook page or join her website for more news coming soon! She is even offering a free advanced copy until October.

Check it out here ► Julie Gorges, Author and Blogger 

That’s all for now.

Tell us about you and your plans.

As always,

Happy Reading!

Rosie

PS. If you missed my last month’s blog, you’ll want to read this one about Jennifer Milius and ► “How To Create Your Dream Business.”