Sitting still

 Doing this "sitting still" activity was a lot more different and difficult than I thought. I noticed at first, it was hard to focus on my breathing as well as keeping my thoughts clear. I constantly kept thinking of schoolwork and other life obstacles that was been eating away at me. It took me a few times until I was able to only think about my breathing.

Once I focused on only my breathing, I was slowly able to pay attention to my surroundings. I noticed the warmth on my leg was slightly warmer than the rest of my body, as the sunlight was coming in from the window. I never noticed it before, but I can feel my chest and shoulders rising and falling as I was breathing. I noticed the smell of the fruity air freshener that was plugged into my living room. It smelled stronger the more I focused on it.

I then notice how I can hear the busy street coming from my window. The cars using their breaks, the cars accelerating, and the people's conversation as they walk pass my window. I could hear my sister's music coming from her room, with her foot tapping the floor. There were so many noises coming from different directions. Before, I thought it wasn't loud and just background white noises but when focusing more on them, the more distinct each noise was.

Noticing all these small things that I normally never would, kind of scared me. All these small things that happen every minute of every day and I'm just now truly noticing them now. I think with everyone's life so busy and fast pace, it's easy to miss these small things. 

I think this exercise was a great way to just calm myself whenever I feel overwhelmed or too rushed. I noticed so many things when actively using my senses. I will definitely be doing this exercise much more often.