Welcome to this special episode of the Reed Manga Series! Today, Indiana is thrilled to welcome and host another Honored Guest Mr Steve Watkins from Los Angeles, California. A member of the legal profession for many years, a professor, an author, a mentor. Mr. Watkins views life as a process of never-ending evolution. His life’s mission is to help people achieve meaningful lives. I invite you to check out Steve’s website: https://www.paralegalguides.com/
Indiana: Steve, it’s great to be with you. You’ve been a good friend and a faithful reader of my works for years. I’m glad we could come together today.
Steve: Well, Indiana, the feeling is mutual. I have valued your writing for a long time and was and am deeply impressed with your book “This Is Your Quest,” which opened up many doors for thought and consideration.
Indiana: Thank you, Steve. I appreciate your continuous support, your feedback and your kind words of appreciation. Today, I would like to dive deep into the concepts of Mindfulness and Purpose and how the two work together.
Steve: Ah, Indiana, I’m glad you’ve asked about this because I have a lot to say on this subject. Mindfulness and Purpose are profound concepts that can truly transform one’s life when understood and applied. Let’s start with Mindfulness. In essence, Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, aware of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment without judgment.
Indiana: I think that many people today realize the importance of incorporating mindfulness into their lives, but practicing it is proving to be more challenging than it appears.
Steve: You’re right, Indiana. It is deceptively simple in concept but challenging in practice. Our minds are often cluttered with thoughts about the past or worries about the future. Mindfulness asks us to anchor ourselves in the present moment, and to observe our thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them.
Indiana: I can relate to that. Sometimes I find myself so wrapped up in thinking about tomorrow’s tasks that I’m not experiencing what’s happening right now.
Steve: That’s a common experience, and it’s precisely what Mindfulness aims to address. By practicing Mindfulness, we learn to notice when our minds wander and gently bring our attention back to the present. This can lead to reduced stress, improved focus, and a greater sense of overall well-being.
Indiana: Absolutely! It’s amazing how such a simple practice can have profound effects. But how does one actually practice Mindfulness?
Steve: There are many ways to practice Mindfulness, but one of the most common is through meditation. This could involve sitting quietly and focusing on your breath, noticing the sensations of breathing in and out. When your mind wanders, which it inevitably will, you simply acknowledge the thought and return your focus to your breath.
Indiana: I practice meditation regularly, but I find it challenging because my mind often wanders.
Steve: That’s very common, Indiana. The goal of Mindfulness meditation isn’t to empty your mind of thoughts – that’s practically impossible. The practice is in noticing when your mind has wandered and bringing it back. Each time you do this, it’s like doing a rep in a mental gym. You’re strengthening your ability to be present.
Indiana: That’s useful to know. Are there other ways to practice Mindfulness besides formal meditation?
Steve: Absolutely! Mindfulness can be incorporated into many daily activities. You can practice mindful eating by really focusing on the taste, texture, and smell of your food. You can do a mindful walk, paying attention to the sensations in your feet and legs as you move, the sounds around you, and the feeling of the air on your skin. Even simple tasks like washing dishes can become a mindfulness practice if you fully engage with the sensory experience.
Indiana: That’s interesting. It seems like Mindfulness could potentially make even mundane tasks more engaging.
Steve: Exactly! Mindfulness has the power to enrich our everyday experiences. By fully engaging with the present moment, we often find beauty and interest in things we might otherwise overlook.
Indiana: I can see how that could be valuable. But you also mentioned Purpose. How does that relate to Mindfulness?
Steve: Great question, Indiana. While Mindfulness is about being present in the moment, Purpose is about the broader direction and meaning in our lives. Having a sense of Purpose means having goals, values, or a mission that gives our life a sense of direction and significance.
Indiana: A lot of people assume that Purpose is about having big, lofty goals. I don’t think so. For me, Purpose doesn’t have to be a grandiose achievement and phenomenal success, it can be very simple things, anything that gives you the motivation to wake up in the morning; but what’s your view on this?
Steve: I agree. While some people might have grand, world-changing ambitions, Purpose can also be found in smaller, more personal goals. It’s about what gives your life meaning and motivates you to get up in the morning. This could be as simple as being a loving parent, creating art, helping others in your community, or pursuing knowledge in a field you’re passionate about.
Indiana: Steve, what advice would you give to people who tell you they’re still searching for their Purpose and haven’t figured it out yet?
Steve: I would tell them that discovering one’s Purpose is often a journey of self-reflection and exploration. It involves asking yourself deep questions: What are your values? What activities make you lose track of time? What issues in the world deeply move you? What unique skills or perspectives do you bring to the table?
Indiana: That sounds like it could take a lot of soul-searching.
Steve: It often does, and that’s okay. Finding your Purpose isn’t usually a sudden revelation but a gradual process of discovery and refinement. It’s also worth noting that your Purpose can evolve over time as you grow and your circumstances change.
Indiana: How does having a sense of Purpose benefit us?
Steve: Having a sense of Purpose can provide numerous benefits. It can give us direction and motivation, helping us make decisions and persevere through challenges. People with a strong sense of purpose often report higher levels of life satisfaction and resilience. Purpose can also contribute to better physical and mental health outcomes.
Indiana: That’s fascinating. But how do mindfulness and Purpose work together?
Steve: Great question, Indiana. Mindfulness helps us tune into our true selves, which can illuminate our deeper purpose. When we’re present and aware, we can better understand our passions and what truly drives us.
Indiana: That makes so much sense. I’m excited to explore this further.
Steve: Absolutely! Stay tuned for part 2, where we’ll dive deeper into how mindfulness and purpose interconnect and enhance each other. You won’t want to miss it!
To be continued…
PS: Share your knowledge, insights, and wisdom through interactive storytelling. Have a meaningful conversation with Indiana the host of the Reed Manga Series. DM to become the next Honored Guest.
For a front-row seat and exclusive access to Part 2, join me on Ko-Fi as we embark on a journey filled with words, wonder, and endless possibilities. . For just $5 per month (the price of a cup of Ko-fi/coffee) you can become a Ko-Fi Silver Tiers members. If you would like me to look into a particular subject, write a special piece for you, or become an Honored Guest you can make such a request as a Silver Tier Member. If a subscription is not your kind of thing, just have a look around my online shop, nothing better than retail therapy. So, come join me on Ko-Fi for an epic journey filled with words, wonder, and boundless possibilities as we unravel together the mysteries of Purpose.
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