What's moving me this week

I’ve been upping my game on mindset work recently, especially as I face some significant decisions. Instead of trying to 'figure it all out' and overthinking, I’ve committed to stillness and presence to shift my perspective. Our minds can tend to replay narratives over and over, and frankly, I’m exhausted by them. There’s so much more wisdom within us than the stories our minds create or the limitations our ego tries to impose. Mindfulness has been a game changer for me. By grounding myself in the present moment, I'm more attuned to what’s truly moving me and what brings joy and clarity. Here are a few things that have really moved me this week.

?Every morning, on my beach walk, my favourite dog runs toward me, waiting patiently for his usual petting. After his fill, he barks as if to say, "Okay, I’m done now," and trots off, bringing a smile to my face. His owner, Kerry, and I often chat about Ireland since he has Irish roots, which is a comforting connection to home. Today, I noticed something new—Oscar running over to a young girl in a wheelchair. Her face lit up as she gave him a treat, part of a morning routine I hadn’t paid attention to before. It opened my heart to how powerful and pure the love between animals and people can be, and how a simple act of kindness can ripple through others. This moment, noticed only because I was mindful and present, filled me with appreciation for the quiet acts of care happening around us.

?Another thing moving me is the ocean sunrise. I’m fortunate to live near the coast, and I’ve started waking up earlier to meditate and witness the sunrise over the waves. There’s an undeniable peace that washes over me during these moments, a quiet reminder of life’s rhythms. Growing up near the sea in Clontarf has always made the ocean feel like home—a constant that brings calm amidst life’s uncertainties.

?Music has a special way of stirring emotions too. This week, I heard I Hope You Dance by Lee Ann Womack, a song we played at my Mam's funeral this time last year. The tears came unexpectedly, but they were welcome. It reminded me that no matter our age or situation, we always want our mother’s presence when life feels heavy. Music has this beautiful way of unlocking memories and allowing us to feel the full range of our emotions. It’s such a gift.

?Another thing that’s been moving me is reconnecting with the Irish language. As I practice, I can feel the words moving differently in my mouth. It’s as though my ancestors are right there with me, and I’m re-establishing a lost connection with my heritage. It’s powerful, grounding, and deeply moving.

?As I reflect on these moments, I realize how much mindfulness plays a role in noticing what truly matters. In the rush of our corporate lives, we can so easily get wrapped up in deadlines, goals, and meetings, often paying more attention to the next task than the moment we’re in. But what if we were as attentive to the nuances of our professional lives as we are to the small joys in our personal lives? What if we slowed down to notice the kindness of a colleague, the impact of a conversation, or the quiet potential in a moment of stillness before making a big decision? How might that change the way we lead, interact, and innovate?

?Some suggestions:

??- Consider creating time each day, even at work, to practice mindfulness—whether it’s through a five-minute pause to breathe, or intentionally setting aside time to notice what’s moving you in your workday. It could be the support of a team member, the excitement of a new idea, or the satisfaction of completing a project.

- Another way to bring this practice into your life could be through journaling. Writing down small moments of gratitude or reflection can help shift focus from autopilot to a more intentional, present way of living.

?Questions for Reflection:

?- What might you be missing in your life by always being focused on the next task or deadline? What could you gain with some stillness?

- How can you bring more presence and mindfulness into your daily work routine?

- What’s moved you this week, either personally or professionally, that you might not have noticed before?

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