When I stop, I notice...

For this week's poem, we'll write about mindfulness experiences.  Being present is powerful.  It will help lead us towards the next steps - in the most appropriate way.  Write a 20 line poem about what you see when you stop and reflect.  If you'd like, try to do a quick breathing exercise before you write.  Sit somewhere quietly and focus only on taking deep breaths.  Try this out for a few minutes.  Some people like to count numbers or use a mantra (a word they like to repeat over and over - like a positive affirmation - see Week 1).   You could also practice one of the techniques outlined in the "Mindfulness" document posted below.

The title and first line of your poem will be:

When I stop, I notice the beauty of life

We tend to ignore the little things in life

I'm so caught up in things 

It crazy because we plan so far into the future

But we really don't know if we will see tomorrow

So when you stop for a second

It hits you 

We all are victims to it 

It doesn't hit you until you have a second to stop

Or when something tragic happens 

Sadly it hit me when my grandmother passed

It was a dark time in my life 

I was depressed because she meant so much

I felt that I didn't cherish her enough

But at that moment 

I got closer with my family

And now I cherish every second I have with them

You don't know what you have until its gone

So when I stop

I notice the beauty of life