How to Stay Present: Embracing Mindfulness and Gratitude
Recently, I was struck by a thought while listening to an insightful conversation between Chris Hardwick and Jack Antonoff on The Nerdist podcast. Jack shared something that resonated deeply with me: “I’m macro happy, big happy, but on the daily I can be miserable. Weird how that happens.” His candid reflection on the disconnect between overarching joy and daily struggles reminded me of a powerful remedy I’ve found: mindfulness and gratitude.
A few months back, I began sharing thoughts on Facebook, inspired by my experiences as an Orthodox Jew. One morning, while in the shower, I was captivated by the feeling of clean water cascading down. I remembered a lesson from Jewish law: begin your shower at your head, as it deserves the most respect. This simple practice, which once felt mundane, transformed into a moment of mindfulness, reminding me to appreciate the act of cleansing my body.
It made me reflect on the wealth of practical wisdom embedded in my upbringing. One of the first teachings that came to mind was the commandment to wash my hands before eating, particularly before a meal that includes bread.
While washing hands may seem like common sense, Jewish law emphasizes its importance. Not only must you wash your hands, but you also say a blessing while your hands are still wet: “Blessed are You, Lord our God, who has commanded us to wash our hands.” This simple act elevates the routine to something sacred and profound.
Taking a moment to express gratitude while washing my hands brings me back to the present. It anchors me in the action I’m performing and allows me to feel thankful for the teachings that guide me. Imagine if, after every simple task—like tying your shoes or enjoying a meal—you paused to say, “Thank you, Mom and Dad, for teaching me this.” Would that sense of gratitude enhance your experience? Would it create a feeling of connection to those who’ve supported you throughout your life, even when they’re not physically present?
I believe that pausing to appreciate the little things in our day can significantly enhance our overall happiness. Jewish law makes practicing mindfulness easier by embedding blessings into our daily lives. There’s a blessing for almost everything we do! Whether it’s expressing thanks for the foods we eat—like fruit, vegetables, bread, and wine—or acknowledging the beauty of nature—like thunder and rainbows—these blessings serve as reminders of the abundance around us.
Growing up, I learned that it was praiseworthy to say 100 blessings a day, and now I understand why. Each blessing is an opportunity to pause and express gratitude, which can transform an ordinary day into something extraordinary. So, if you find yourself feeling overwhelmed or disconnected, remember that practicing mindfulness and gratitude through the simple rituals of daily life can help you stay present and cultivate joy.
