One of the most popular activities in our weekly group is our 'noticing'. We spend up to 30 minutes outside (particularly positive when Spring is in the air) and focus on each of our senses in turn as follows:
1. Notice 5 things you can see.
2. Notice 4 things you can hear.
3. Notice 3 things you can smell.
4. Notice 2 things you can touch.
5. Notice 1 thing you can taste.
It's a simple exercise and it builds on our regular practise of mindfulness. So the aim is not to focus on the number of the things we notice but on the experience of focusing on the world around us, rather than being stuck inside our own heads. Above all we are not judgemental of ourselves and we try hard not to be competitive. Some days it is easier than others to be mindful of what's around us. What is most important is that we try so that we learn to 'give our heads peace' - if only for a moment.
