A Handful of Ideas for Mindfulness - Tuesday, July 8, 5:00-6:00 - Elective for Diakonia World Federation Assembly
Mindfulness is about BEEing in the present moment-- not stuck on something that has happened or fixated on something that may happen in the future. Draw "BEE Here Now" to practice being mindful🐝https://youtu.be/G1PYnem5KLg [2:39]
Palm Calm Breathing [hand with heart charm] - Take a breath in as you trace one finger UP and exhale as you travel DOWN the other side. You do it on one hand or both hands, once, twice, or again and again.
Open and Close [I can do hard things charm] - Breath in as you open palms wide and stretch through your fingers. Exhale as you close your hands with thumbs inside fingers. Breath in as you open hands again, but this time when you exhale, place thumbs on the outside of the closed fist. Repeat several times and THEN . . .
Breathe both hands open but on the exhale try to have one hand close with thumb on the OUTSIDE and the opposite hand close with the thumb on the INSIDE. You can train your brain with practice ~ neuroplasticity works your whole life long!!
Turtle Hands [turtle charm] - https://vitamindb.blogspot.com/2019/11/turtle-hands.html
Five Ways to Check In and BE MINDFUL [#5 charm]:
(1) Take "5" deep breaths
(2) Notice "4" things around you. What do you see?
(3) Name "3" things you are grateful for
(4) Identify "2" people you can "count on" when you need a listening ear or helping hand
(5) Think of "1" thing you are looking forward to today!
Finger Touches [ heart with cross charm] - Touch your thumb to one finger for each word in your phrase:
"God"--pointer finger, "is"--middle finger"with"--ring finger, "me"--pinky finger or
"Je..."--pointer, "...sus"--middle, "loves"--ring, "me"--pinky or
"Spir..."--pointer, "...it"--middle, "guide"--ring, "me:--pinky.
This has the added benefit of developing hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
Palm Calm Japa Meditation [https://youtu.be/MPHzM2nxvfI?si=jc0ayhXna5xYXlhI] - [colorful beads on rings] Words and verses you say out loud or in your heart as you touch the joints of each finger. This tactile practice helps you focus and pay attention. It is a spiritual practice that helps you center and calm your head, heart and body. https://yogajala.com/japa-explained/
Sample bracelet with the charms explained above in this Elective experience!
Diakonia World Federation Assembly:
https://diakonia-world.org/dwf-2025-assembly-documents/
KEYNOTE PRESENTATIONS
Tuesday – Rev Prof Dr Jerry Pillay presentation (General Secretary, World Council of Churches)
Dancing the Faith, Drumming Up Hope: Ecumenical Diakonia and Our Global Crisis
Wednesday – Environmental and Climate Justice
Rev Damon Mkandawire, Council for World Mission (CWM) Mission Secretary –Ecology and Economy
Friday – Keynote Speech Sichali Deaconess Mable Kifwabantu Sichali, United Church of Zambia