We normally think of mindfulness as an antidote to the difficult things in life.
But it's also relevant when things are going well, for example on holiday.
You see, our minds are wandering about 47% of the time. We pay good money to go away and get the finest experiences - the place, the weather, the food, and so on. But half the time we're not even there to enjoy these experience!
Does that matter? Well, a wandering mind is an unhappy mind. (And yes, it's the wandering that causes the unhappiness, not the other way round).
So, if you want to get the most enjoyment and happiness from your holiday, make sure you show up! In other words, be mindful.
What does that mean in practice?
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Now obviously, I don't mean spend the whole week with your eyes closed in meditation - that's not a holiday, that's a retreat (which is deeply satisfying, but surprisingly hard work). And I certainly don't mean giving yourself a hard time every time your mind wanders. Definitely give yourself a holiday from giving yourself a hard time!
What I do mean is savouring the pleasant experiences as they arise.Spend a bit longer just enjoying the taste of the food. Linger with the beauty of the scenery, the architecture, the art - whatever beauty you come across. Allow it to seep in, so it can really refresh you deeply.
Being mindful also means being curious - for example about the local customs, the language, the way of life. (And of course when you come up against frustrating customs, you can be curious about that too!)
Of course, you may find your mind wandering to the future or the past (whether it's the cares of everyday life back home, or just planning what you're going to do tomorrow). If that needs your attention, then of course attend to it.
But if not, just let the thoughts be there; let them go in their own time, and kindly, gently, bring your attention back to your senses.
Enjoy!