A few years ago, as we were about to try an Italian wine during a guided tour in Italy, the tour guide taught us how to clink glasses over drinks.
Most of us, when we tap the other person’s glass, look at the glass to make sure we are tapping it in the right place, and not tapping too hard. That’s okay, but once you bring the glasses together, and before they clink, look at the other person’s eyes.
My wife and I have been doing that ever since.
I like it because it feels nice, and also because it’s a way to pause and create awareness of the moment.
(The guide also said not to cross arms as you toast across the table. That’s another opportunity for awareness.)
Thich Nhat Hanh, the Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist recommends the following way to more awareness: When your telephone rings, let it go for an extra ring or two. He says the extra telephone rings can be a little mindfulness bell—a reminder to slow down, calm and clear your mind, and take a moment to breathe, smile, and relax.
We can also do that when text messages arrive—waiting a bit before we look at the message.
What do you do to create moments of awareness in your day? Please join the conversation with your comments…
All the best,
David