Midweek I managed to cut both my thumbs on a sharp edges of a can of chickpeas. It was painful. It was also a shock. And of course it was messy clearing up the kitchen and heavily bandaging (and re-bandaging!) both thumbs. Then it was awkward not putting pressure on my thumbs in the routine of everyday living.

A few days later and now without bandages, the cuts are healing. It is incredible to see. I am thankful.

Sometimes we fail to notice; sometimes we pay attention. When we pay attention we realise how wonderfully we are made.

There were moments of pain, shock, mess and awkwardness but these are now replaced with an awareness of the miracle of healing  and the joy of two thumbs in full working order! It isn’t always easy to pay attention but it puts us in a different place when we do.

This is Mindful Monday on 17 June 2019. Join Julie Hill and Sara Shailer in practicing an awareness of the present moment at the Oasis in Cheltenham at 7.30 pm tonight – and then again on 8 July and 22 July. Email hello@essencecheltenham.org to book your place. There is no charge – just make a donation towards the cost of room hire on the night if you are able.