Incense burners and mindfulness meditation

For the last couple of years I've been learning and practicing mindfulness meditation. It's all about being present in the moment. Don't worry about the past, as you cannot change it, and don't worry about the future as you don't know what will happen. Instead it's all about living in the present moment and taking the time to slow down or stop and see the world around you in all it's wonderful glory. 

It took a little practice at first to really slow down and I often find my mind wandering even now. But that's ok. I just observe that my mind has wandered and guide it back to where I want it to be. I don't scold myself but rather the key is to observe in the third person. I do this for other situations as well as I can work out what happened without any emotional involvement. 

I've even taught my daughter how to do it and she tells me that she often does it on the school bus looking out the window at the sky after a difficult day. By the time she comes in the door she has grounded herself again and is happy. We like to meditate in the garden when we can, just the two of us. 

While learning meditation I've been thinking about what others use to help them focus. I love to be outdoors and smell the grass and flowers, even the rain. Others like to burn their favourite scents, such as lavender or sandalwood. I'm highly sensitive to artificial smells so I don't burn scented candles or incense. Even so, I have started making incense burners for others and I'm selling a batch on Etsy. The first batch are all keeping in touch with nature and are leaves in various finishes. If they prove to be popular then I will look into other more organic styles. 

Incense burners shaped as leaves by Ty Siriol Ceramics

A selection of leaf incense burners by Ty Siriol Ceramics

I've sent another red one off just this morning so they do seem to be in demand. The red is also my favourite of them. Do you have a favourite colour? If so please post it in the comments. I do love to hear what you think. 

If you would like to see which ones are left in stock my Etsy link is below. 

Thanks for reading,
Cathy x

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