Everywhere You Go, There You Are
Cultivating awareness to reduce stress and enjoy more of life
Everywhere you go, there you are is a phrase that means we can’t escape ourselves and who we are. Who each of us is as a spiritual, mental, emotional, and physical being travels with us. So unless we are mindful, our ‘stuff’ stays our stuff, our bad habits remain, and our inner core beliefs show up in how we respond to people around us.
Unless we learn to be mindful, who we are still goes with us everywhere; however, we can make choices and respond more consciously.
When I reflect on the precious moments of my life, one stark realization stands out: I wasn't emotionally present for more of them than I care to admit. Instead of immersing myself in the richness of each moment, I was consumed by my thoughts—worrying about the future, dwelling on the past, letting fears run rampant, and allowing doubts to creep in. At times, these were alternated with dreams and optimistic visions, yet they all had one thing in common—they kept me from the present moment.
This non-stop thinking is often referred to as the "monkey mind." The monkey mind overwhelms us with chatter and self-talk and steals us away from the beauty of now. It's a cacophony of voices, thoughts, and images that clutter our minds, making it difficult to make decisions or think clearly. Imagine planting a beautiful vegetable garden that promises to nourish you, only to let the weeds overrun it, choking out the magic and potential.
Connecting with nature increases mindfulness and awareness
I’ve included a link to a previous post of mine with some ideas for cultivating mindfulness through connecting with nature. It includes some information on forest bathing. Being in a forest or by the ocean are my two favorite places to practice mindfulness. The sounds, the smells, and the feel of the air all heighten my senses and connect me to the present moment.
I'm reading "Wherever You Go, There You Are" by Jon Kabat-Zinn, a leading mindfulness and meditation teacher in the U.S. He writes about the challenge of cultivating deep, sustained awareness, which I feel is what we need to connect to our sovereignty and for healing.
So, what is awareness? It is interchangeable with mindfulness and is the practice of noticing the present moment’s details without judgment. It accepts what is true without succumbing to interpretations, what-ifs, or problem-solving. Both states involve being an observer of the present moment.
It means slowing down on a cobblestone street and realizing people have walked this path for centuries. It means drinking in the details of a magnificent painting without letting your emotions overwhelm your senses. However, based on my journey, that can be daunting in the presence of a masterpiece like a Monet Water Lilies giant painting, The Statue of David, or the Last Supper. They bring me to tears. One of the versions of Van Gogh’s Starry, Starry Night took my breath away.
You can ‘drive-by’ these gems or spend some quiet time with them, being conscious of what you are seeing or feeling. Allow yourself to experience the transcendence that happens when you are in the space of genius.
The beauty of practicing awareness and mindfulness is that they don’t demand perfection or an empty mind. It simply asks for presence. In every situation, there is an opportunity to practice awareness. You can practice becoming aware whether washing the dishes, talking to a friend, or sitting quietly alone.
This is the essence of mindfulness. It’s not about shutting out the world or emptying your mind of thoughts. It’s about fully engaging with whatever is happening. When you practice mindfulness, you notice things you might otherwise miss and are more attuned to those around you.
In Wherever You Go, There You Are, Jon Kabat-Zinn discusses the importance of incorporating mindfulness into every aspect of our lives. He reminds us that we don’t need to be anywhere special or do anything extraordinary to practice mindfulness.
Imagine This
You’re at a family gathering. A lot is happening—kids running around, conversations happening simultaneously, and perhaps a bit of chaos. It’s easy to get swept away by the noise and distraction. But if you take a moment to breathe, to notice what’s happening around you, and to tune into the small details—the sound of laughter, the warmth of the sun, the colors around you—you can find a sense of calm and connection amidst the busyness.
You may stumble upon delights, as I did when wandering through Venice. I found this unique art supply shop. Inside, a giant amethyst was displayed, giving the space a peaceful vibe.
Mindful Breathing
Another practice Kabat-Zinn suggests is mindful breathing. This practice is easy to do anytime, anywhere. Slow down and focus on your breath. Notice the sensation of the air entering and leaving your body. If your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath.
When I get distracted, I slow down to breathe. I follow my breath, saying, ‘Breathe in’ on the inhale and ‘Breathe out’ on the exhale. This simple practice grounds me, giving me a sense of calm and clarity.
Mindful Walking
Mindful walking is a beautiful way to bring awareness into your daily life. As you walk, pay attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the movement of your body, and the sights and sounds around you. Notice three things you haven’t noticed before. You may also find your creative thoughts flourish with a mindfulness practice.
As you begin focusing on mindfulness and cultivating awareness, you may find that it changes how you experience the world. You may become more patient, present, and connected to the people around you. You may find that you can handle stress and challenges with greater ease and resilience.
The final way to cultivate mindfulness is to accept who you are and become an observer of life. Remember, wherever you go, there you are.
May your spirit be vibrant and alive
May your heart guide you forward
May you feel present and connect to all that is
May you always know your true self.
—Kathy Garland
Another thoughtful post. Every day I feel like I’m starting over on practicing mindfulness. So simple and yet so hard!
Ahh, thank you for the reminder. I'm headed out to paint en Plein air!