Catch a Mindfulness Wave
The treasure of living brave.
In my 20’s, a career coach asked me this: “If you had $500 to spend in a bookstore what books would you buy?” Instantly I replied, “Children’s books.” The coach looked confused. Then shocked. She pulled herself together and said, “Really?”
Yes, really. I love children’s books. Specifically, middle-grade fiction and picture books. Middle grade (think Judy Blume) because the limited word count necessitates clean storytelling. Picture books because they have 36 pages to craft a story arc in 600 words or less. These gems of literature are accompanied by illustrations that could have their own wing in the Louvre. Which reminds me. I haven’t been to the Eric Carl Museum of Picture Book Art yet this summer. A museum in Western Massachusetts dedicated to the art of picture book illustration. Which further brings me to my favorite picture book of all time, Wave by Suzy Lee.
In this evocative wordless book, internationally acclaimed artist Suzy Lee tells the story of a little girl's day at the beach. Stunning in their simplicity, Lee's illustrations, in just two shades of watercolor, create a vibrant story full of joy and laughter. (Chronicle Books, 2008)
A no-word book, I know. But this one allows you to “read” your own story from what you see in the illustrations. There is a story arc. Character development. A lesson. It’s a miraculous experience to read. I teach a kids yoga class around this book. Have a lesson plan I have often shared (let me know if you’d like one). The results have always been magic. In addition to the story’s lessons, engaging in the freedom to choose your own story is a powerful lesson. It brings out the nuanced enchantment that lives in every child. All inspired by illustrations that paint a picture far beyond a thousand words.
For me, the story of Wave is this: Life requires a practice of being brave enough to try new things, explore them in your own way, and see what you learn. Sure, like the little girl in Wave, sometimes you get clobbered. And you learn that that’s okay. That if you notice, no judgment, there is always a bounty of treasure left on the beach afterward—the lessons, the growth, the self-expansion, the self-knowledge. Magic.
The necessary practice I’m talking, in a word, is mindfulness. Noticing the present moment without judgment—welcoming it with your attention. The fear or joy or excitement or whatever else is there. Then choosing to stay present with what you notice by breathing, moving or journaling. Just a for a breath or a moment, a minute or two. Then make your mindful choice and see what treasure you find afterward.
Like the little girl in Wave, sometimes I dip my toe into life. More often I jump in full force. Sure, I’ve been clobbered plenty. And I have always, always come back with a treasure.
Be Brave. Try new things. Breathe, move, journal. Elizabeth