If the heart wanders or is distracted, bring it back to the point quite gently…and even if you did nothing during the whole of your hour [of contemplation] but bring your heart back, though it went away every time you brought it back, your hour would be very well employed.
Saint Francis de Sales
As you read these words, know that you are reading. Developing our ability to be aware of what we are doing is called self-remembering. This practice enables us to fine-tune our perceptions and actions. It brings calm, clarity, and freedom to the mind, qualities that are necessary for recognizing the limiting patterns of habitual thought and actions, and for choosing more creative and effective options. With this awareness we can guide our lives toward attaining the goals we wish to reach. For example,
▾▾ Beginning, I am aware of beginning.
Reading, I am aware of reading.
Breathing in, I know I am breathing in.
Breathing out, I know I am breathing out.
Listening, I know I am listening.
Touching, I know I am touching.
Lifting, I am aware of lifting.
Sitting down, I am aware of sitting down.
Thinking, I am aware of thinking.
Experiencing fear, I am aware of feeling fear.
Experiencing joy, I am aware of feeling joy.
Intending, I am aware of intending.
Finishing, I am aware of finishing.
Practice this when you:
Simply go for a walk.
Simply listen to music.
Simply eat a meal.
Simply read.
Above all, keep your mind wholeheartedly on what you are doing. And when it wanders—as it surely will—simply bring it back to what you are doing, and without self criticism or lecturing yourself, return to your practice of self-remembering.