The practicing of mindfulness is fairly straightforward. You likely know a standard mindfulness practice that involves focusing attention on the sensations of the breath and when you notice mind wandering, returning attention to the breath. The instruction is simple, it’s easy to get started, the benefits are robust, and yet the practice can be challenging. Two common reasons are that settling down for a few minutes to pay attention to the breath can be . . . unsettling, or boring.

This month’s column begins with a riddle: What does a snow globe, puppy dog, toothbrush, and hurricane have in common? As you might have guessed, the answer is mindfulness. Each is a popular metaphor that offers mindfulness insights. You may recall those television ads that entice the viewer with the tagline, “But wait, there’s more.” Below is a basic insight for each metaphor followed by a “But wait, there’s more” deeper level of insight you may find helpful for establishing or developing your mindfulness practice.  While mindfulness has become a bit of a commodity these days, the practice remains free and its benefits self-realized. “But wait, there’s more” is a reminder that with a little patience, the practice may offer even more than you think.

Snow Globe