Look to the Stars: A Mindfulness Tip
Photo from Pexels by Pixabay
Evan Rosenau
Whether we get tired, antsy, anxious, or distracted, it can be difficult to make it through the day. While it is a four-day week, this week’s tip can help you make it through any class, and no one has to know you’re doing it. We’re talking about orienting—or focusing—on exactly where you are to bring your focus to the world around you and increase mindfulness.
Start with the universe, as most of us are probably somewhere in it. Though it may seem simple to think, “Oh we’re in the Milky Way,” try to think of some facts about wherever you are. For instance, astronomers estimate there are 100 billion stars in the Milky Way. While your facts don’t have to be as obscure, try to remember one detail to draw you into the present.
Next, the solar system. Those 100 billion stars turned down to one, the Sun. For this destination, try to name all of the planets. Or, all five dwarf planets we have. There are tons of possibilities on what to do for every new location. They don’t even have to be facts. For instance, you could imagine what fictional animal would live on Venus! Just like last week, there’s no limit to what you can come up with.
Finally, we’re getting a bit closer to home, or more specifically, Earth, which was formed about 4.543 billion years ago. While there may be seven continents now, there used to be only one all those years ago. As our knowledge of these locations expands, the variety of facts and activities you can do grow endless. Imagine your dream house to live in, in your dream location, anywhere in the world.
Sadly, you’re going to have to leave that fantasy because now we’re on to North America. Fun fact, while many of us may think of Christopher Colombus or Leif Erikson as the first to arrive here, archaeologists suggest some early humans may have settled in the Americas anywhere from 30,000 to 15,000 years ago. With this, they experienced climates ranging from the scorching heat of the Caribbean to the frisky winter of Greenland. Maybe try to name all of the countries located here that you can; there may be more than you think.
One of those countries is our next stop— the United States, founded by a revolution in 1776, though you probably already knew that. What about all the states? There are fifty, but can you name them all? What about alphabetically? Remember, the more you do this, the more creative you can be. If you really want to challenge yourself, try to name them in order as if you’re reading across a map.
On that map lies good old Wisconsin, which became a state in 1848, around seventy years after the US was formed. We’ve got 72 counties in our small state. Naming counties might get a bit boring, so why not try to remember some of your favorite memories in Wisconsin?
Maybe one of those memories comes from the town you’re spending your time in. When was it founded? Or what other details do you know about your town? Though again, we’ve gotten a bit repetitive. Why not write a quick poem about your beautiful town, or think of someplace you love there? Try to remember some little details about your wonderful location.
Now use that focus to imagine the building you’re in right now. How many floors does it have? How many rooms? Design a real estate listing for it, and make sure to include its best features.
Almost there—on to the room you’re in. Which level is it on? Is it close to the outside of the house, or buried deep within? Notice the cracks in the wall, what kind of flooring it has, the color of the wall, everything; simply draw your attention to the room.
On to our final step. Where are you in the room? Get specific. Imagine how many steps it took to reach your spot, how many feet you are from a wall. If you’re in a row of desks, what row are you in? Notice every detail, even how you’re positioned. Are you sitting or standing, cross-legged or straight, are you leaning? The more you see, the more focus you direct to the moment.
Space, Earth, continent, country, state, city, building, room, and you. It may be fun to explore the farthest reaches of the universe, but if you’re short on time, feel free to cut out some steps and start closer to home. Remember, you’re doing this for yourself, so do whatever you need to do to enjoy yourself, and have fun looking at the stars.
Have a great week from us at Charger Press!
Remember, you’re not alone, if you or anyone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8. Or, if you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health issues, you can visit 988lifeline.org, https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/tools-resources/index.htm, and reach out to a trusted adult at home or at school.
