Once in a while I come across a phrase that helps me drop from the chaos in my mind in the present moment, into the now, into what is most meaningful. Psychologist and author Leonard Felder’s latest book is called Here I Am and the title of the book is the practice I connect with.

What do I mean?

In Judaism there’s a phrase called Hineini which means “Here I am.” It epitomizes mindfulness, intentionally bringing our minds to the present moment, without the filters from the past.

Here’s how it worked for me.

I was in the supermarket the other day and it was busy. If you’ve ever been to Trader Joe’s during the busy hours you know what I’m talking about. People running over each other, difficulty getting through the aisles and then when you’re finished, long lines. Ahhh…

I remembered reading in Leonard’s book “Hineini, Here I am” and the phrase popped into my head. I noticed a calming in my body, I didn’t analyze it, it was just what happened. So I stepped into it again, “Hineini, Here I am” as I closed my eyes and listened to the rush of sounds all around me. I let out a big exhale, I guess I needed that.

Just this little phrase interrupted an automatic cycle within me of thoughts, sensations and emotions that were literally driving me crazy.

So I wanted to share this with you. Take it into your day whether things are going well or they’re frustrating. If you’re into the Hebrew you can say “Hineini” or if not, you can just say “Here I am” or both.

The best thing to do after reading something like this is to just treat is as an experiment in your life. Try to put aside any judgments and give it a shot. It might just be what the doctor ordered.

As always, please share your thoughts, stories and questions below. Your interaction creates a living wisdom for us all to benefit from.

Tweet

Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. is author of The Now Effect, co-author of A Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Workbook, Foreword by Jon Kabat-Zinn, author of Mindfulness Meditations for the Anxious Traveler: Quick Exercises to Calm Your Mind, the Mindful Solutions audio series, and the Mindfulness at Work™ program currently being adopted in multiple multinational corporations. Join The Now Effect Community for free Daily Now Moments, Weekly Updates and tips and free access to a Live Monthly Online Event with Elisha Goldstein, PhD. He is a clinical psychologist in private practice in West Los Angeles.

Like this author?
Catch up on other posts by Elisha Goldstein, Ph.D. (or subscribe to their feed).

Comments

This post currently has 2 comments.
You can read the comments or leave your own thoughts.

    Last reviewed: 24 Aug 2011