Mindful in Punta Cana, or maybe the biggest playground for adults is an all-inclusive resort
Hi Players,
I sometimes realize that I rush through life, always thinking, “What’s next ?” ( this probably won’t change; this is who I am).
As a result, too often, I hardly notice the awesome things that happen around me and maybe miss the opportunity to enjoy life experiences fully.
It is almost as the feeling when you are sitting on the merry -go- round when it’s turning around too fast the views become totally blurry.
You can only enjoy your surroundings if you slow down…
The same for life . There are so many things on my plate, and juggling all of them is not an easy task- sometimes it gets so blurry…
When this happens, the best decision is to slow things down and take a few days off.
MMy getaway (and my 27th anniversary celebration) was a weekend in -maybe the biggest playground for adults- an all inclusive resort in Punta Cana (Dominican Republic).
Our wonderful resort - The Reserve
It is really amazing what slowing down does to our senses.
I suddenly feel so much more… the smells, the tastes, the views , the sounds .
Things that usually blend together , emerge in full vibrant colors- playground for the senses.
Usually when I take a vacation I spend time on the beach or next to the pool reading a book totally in my own head .(I did pack two books..introvert ..dahh)
But this time ,I don’t really know why, it was different.
I was so excited to soak every bit of what the Island could offer- the beach, the palm trees, the sand , the people – both local and tourists , the music ( Salsa, yay), the food (ceviche and papaya are my favorites) ,the super comfy pool beds .
Everything!
When you start to be mindful and pay attention, the universe mysteriously sends you the messages you need to hear .
These are some of the “messages” I recieved :
One- The slogan of the resort was “The pure freedom to just be “.
Two -When I did the parasail (awesome experience and I have a picture to prove it), a young woman who shared the boat with us had a tattoo on her body “Live the life you imagine“.
Three- A lady who shared the bus to the buggy car tour (so fun) with us had a shirt saying “Beauty starts when you decide to be yourself”….totally loved it !
I am positive that the messages we need in our lifealways surround us ,we just too often too busy to see them.
We have to set the intention and focus to be open to the things that important to us.
The “slowing down-mindful experience” was an eye-opener for me.
Unfortunately, in reality I cannot live on an island forever (though it’s very tempting) but being mindful can be a daily practice no matter where you are .
Our ‘cars’ are ready
The path to mindfulness can be so simple..
These are the things that I try to do..(I am still practicing):
Walking/driving to work – I slow down , step out of home earlier so I can walk/drive while enjoying the “ride”.
If I am stuck in traffic – I have my favorite music (or an audiobook /YouTube lectures- TED is my favorite choice) available and enjoy it instead of getting upset and angry.
Lunch break- I make time for lunch.
I try not to swallow my food (I am a “fast” eater) and enjoy the taste.
I try to do one thing at a time (Multi-tasking is overrated…) I know It’s also more healthy to eat slowly.
Taking deliberate time in the day/week to slow down . a few wxamples :taking a walk, enjoying a massage, biking, taking long showers, whatever helps me clear my head.
I put it in my schedule and try to make it a habit. It’s about being commited to slow life’s crazy merry-go-round.”stop and smell the roses”.
Reflect on my best/meangful moments- finish every day/week/month by reflecting on the best moments .
The memories can be captured in a journal, album of pictures,
anyway that inspires me and helps me to remember them and easly retrieve to reminisce in the future when things will get tough.
And it is all green…
If you are not happy , maybe you are not paying attention”Start paying attention every single minute…
Don’t let your life be blurry .
Make every moment fully visible and clear.
Playfully yours,
Rina 🙂
