Pic of the week: The heart leaf

THE MINDFUL GALLERY'S PIC OF THE WEEK

The heart leaf

The mindful anchor in this photo: A leaf in the shape of a heart

(What is a mindful anchor? When we practice mindfulness it is all about having an anchor, noticing when we stray from it, coming back to it, and doing so over and over again. This is oftentimes the breath in sitting meditation, but it can be nearly any point of focus that allows us to find stillness and peace) 

I must have passed these leaves several times before I actually noticed them. How can that be? These leaves are fairly big and wrap around the fence on my back porch. The day I took this I was paying attention, that's why I saw it. Seems like it's not a big deal, but when I take the time to slow down and notice, certain things will show themselves that were unavailable to me because I was too busy thinking about where I was going and what needed to be done. The brain can only be doing so much at once. I believe it also stuck out because I was in need of seeing it, as a reminder. I have a strong affinity for nature and sometimes undervalue the healing potential it has. Taking moments to observe it in both its beauty and it's demise is an important part of mindfulness, and of being human. So the next time you're out for a walk, consider paying attention to what you're seeing and notice what reveals itself, what you're drawn to, and reflect on why it's meaningful to you.