Dial M for Mindfulness: Using the Golden Arches
by: Maya Talisman Frost
Looking for mindfulness? Who ya gonna call?
Try dialing M.
It’s easy to be mindful. It’s just hard to remember to be mindful. That’s why it’s so important to pick our triggers.
Here’s a great trigger for mindfulness–the letter M. I’m a great fan of the letter M. For me, it stands for mindfulness, meditation, mediation and mind massage. It’s soothing to say: “Mmmmmmm.” Add an H and you’re thinking: “Hmmmmm.” Add an O and you’re chanting: “Ommmmmmm.” It’s hard to go wrong with M.
Okay, but in the course of your day, with all the M-words you hear, say and see, how can you possibly remember to be mindful each time? You can’t. That’s why you need to choose ONE M for your mindfulness trigger, and I’ve got the perfect one: the McDonald’s golden arches.
No, really. Think about it. You’ve already got your own ideas about McDonald’s. Maybe you love McDonald’s food. Maybe you appreciate the convenience of a drive-thru breakfast when you’re on the road. Maybe you hate its corporate identity. Maybe you’ve seen “Super-Size Me” and all you can think about is poor Morgan Spurlock getting hypertension in his month-of-McDonald’s-food experiment. Maybe you feel guilty that you like McDonald’s food. Maybe you feel upset that you feel guilty.
Whether you love to hate McDonald’s or hate to love it, those golden arches are a complex trigger. It’s time for a little piggybacking–intentionally superimposing a new concept on an already loaded one.
Here’s how it works: The first time each day that you see the McDonald’s golden arches–the sign itself, the logo on a paper bag, an image on a television commercial–simply say, “I am mindful.” That’s it.
No need to spin your stories. You don’t have to get involved in any mental arguments. There’s no reason to get caught up in any emotion. Just use it as a trigger to be mindful.
By saying this phrase–”I am mindful”–you are actually starting a complex process in your brain. You are creating a powerful link to a visual image, and taking control of what it does for you. You are building a self-fulfilling prophecy–if you notice the golden arches, then you are indeed mindful.
Since being mindful is not something you normally associate with McDonald’s, it serves as a sort of balancing mechanism. Because the only emotion associated with mindfulness is a calm sense of paying attention, you can strip McDonald’s of its “good” and “bad” properties and just note it without judgment.
This is what mindfulness is all about. By picking a trigger that is ubiquitous, you are automatically giving yourself plenty of opportunities to include this brief mindful moment in your day.
You will find that you will begin to be mindful every time you see the golden arches. That might expand to other images of your choice–the Coca-Cola logo, the Disney logo, Starbucks, whatever. Choose something you can’t avoid, and take advantage of it.
Take comfort in taking control of your mind.
Mmmmmm. I’m lovin’ it.
About The Author
Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse offering specialized mindfulness training in Portland, Oregon. Her work has inspired thinkers in over 90 countries. To subscribe to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, please visit http://mindmasseuse.com
maya@mindmasseuse.com
Why is Portland a Bad place to live?
I see a lot of sites talking about how great Portland is, but what are some negative aspects about living there? Its rains less then Seattle right?
Visiting Portland Oregon? Here is an insider’s guide to the top Portland attractions and things to do in Portland Oregon. Written by a Portland local, this helpful article will help you make the most of your visit to Portland, also known as the Rose City. Portland has a wealth of great attractions such as Portland gardens, Portland parks, shopping, museums, theater, live music, and other fun activities that your whole family will enjoy. If you’re a foodie, then you’ll love dining at one of Portland’s great restaurants. And, we are known for our beer, and our coffee cultures! So, visiting a local Portland brewery and coffee shop is always a great option.
Portland Parks and Popular Portland Gardens
The Portland Japanese Garden is a stunning masterpiece, offering incredible views of downtown Portland and Mt. Hood. The Japanese Garden features various styles of gardens that are beautiful year round.
The Portland Classical Chinese Garden is located in downtown Portland in the Old Town China Town neighborhood. This authentic Suzhou-style garden is simply breathtaking. Only the size of a city block, this garden packs in huge visual interest into a small space for everyone to enjoy.
World Forestry Center – If you enjoy forests and conservation (and who doesn’t in Portland?) then you’ll enjoy visiting the World Forestry center for events, exhibits and opportunities to learn more about forestry. World Forestry Center’s Discovery Museum features various exhibits and events throughout the year.
Portland International Rose Test Garden – One of the all-time most popular Portland attractions, this gorgeous rose garden is a favorite place to spend some time, especially during the summer months when the roses are in full-bloom. Stop and smell the roses in the Rose City, enjoy the views, and take some photos in this gorgeous garden.
Washington Park – 130 acres of sprawling gorgeous park. Includes several areas, trails, sports and other activity areas, playgrounds, and the Japanese garden and rose garden.
Hoyt Arboretum – Also in Washington Park, Hoyt Arboretum features an arboretum, trails and largest group of distinct species of any arboretum in the U.S.
Arts and Theater
The Portland Art Museum is one of the largest art museums in the country and is a popular place to visit in Portland for art and museum lovers.
Keller Auditorium features local Broadway on tour shows such as the Lion King and other big production musicals. The Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall is a another popular venue for theater and performance events. The Portland Center for the Performing Arts website is a good resource to get information on current shows and performances.
Things to Do in Portland with Kids
The Oregon Zoo is popular for both locals and visitors. Nestled right above downtown, the Oregon Zoo is an easy trip via the Max light rail. Delightful old-style trains are a favorite zoo-transport option offering amazing views and relief for your tired feet. The kids (big and small) will be in heaven.
The Portland Children’s Museum – The Portland Children’s Museum is hands-down one of the most popular places for fun things to do with kids in Portland. It’s a virtual fantasy land for children! Fun activities, adventures, and playgrounds abound in this vibrant museum made just for kids!
Ground Kontrol Classic Arcade – Ground Kontrol is a classic arcade featuring cheap arcade games and many classics that you know and love. For gaming fans, this is a fun arcade, for either your own kids or your own inner child.
The OMSI – Oregon Museum of Science and Industry features a planetarium, laser shows, submarine and the OMNIMAX Dome Theater. OMSI is an excellent choice for family entertainment.
Portland Oaks Park – Oaks Amusement Park – Oaks Park is a nostalgic traditional amusement park, known for their year-round wooden skating rink and old time carnival rides.
Portland Theater and Portland Events
Rose Quarter Sports and Entertainment – Want tickets for the Portland Trail Blazers or the Portland Winter Hawks? You can also see some fantastic live music here, and big name performance events as well.
Portland Shopping
Portland Pioneer Courthouse Square – Portland’s Living Room is a central hub for tons of Downtown events, year round. Come visit the Portland Pioneer Square and become a part of our town’s history.
The Portland Farmers Market at PSU is located in downtown and simply cannot be missed. Visit the market on Saturday mornings where there are tons of great things to eat and drink, plus local music and other events. Pick up local organic produce, dairy products, fresh baked breads, honey and much, much more.
Located in Old Town China Town, the Portland Saturday Market is a must-see. Local craftspeople sell all manner of delightful gifts, plus this is one of the best places for people-watching. Peruse the dozens of booths of handmade crafts, enjoy the amazing local foods and embrace the real Portland. Loads of food carts offer tasty treats, and local entertainers and musicians entertain the crowds.
The largest used and new bookstore in the world, Powell’s City of Books has been wowing locals and visitors alike since 1971. This store spans an entire city block, guaranteeing it will take you hours to traverse the nooks and crannies and color coded sections but we know you will love every minute of it! Located in Downtown along Burnside. Allow yourself at least a few hours to explore if you enjoy books!
More Portland Tourist Attractions
Portland Jet Boat – Have a blast on an exciting riverboat cruise on the Willamette on a jetboat tour.
Portland Spirit – Take a Portland dinner cruise or holiday cruise on a Portland riverboat tour. The Portland Spirit fleet offers some great entertainment on the Willamette and Columbia Rivers.
Portland coffee shops are wonderful, so you will not want to miss a tour of some of our most popular local Portland coffee shops. We are known for our fine coffee and you won’t taste better anywhere, plus each Portland coffee house is unique and worth a visit while pouring over a magazine or local paper, or just people watching. try Stumptown, Barista, The Albina Press, Fresh Pot, and the Red e Cafe, just to name a few.
Portland diners can enjoy restaurant heaven in the Rose City. We have several notable dining options. Try Portland City Grill, Toro Bravo, Le Pigeon, Sel Gris, Andina, or Beast. Keep in mind this is only a few of our list: there are hundreds of great restaurants and dozens of them could be on a “best of” list.
We’re also known for our breweries and gastropubs. Try Amnesia, Full Sail, Hair of the Dog, Lucky Lab, Hopworks Urban Brewery, New Old Lompoc, Widmer, Rogue, McMenamins, Full Sail, and Pyramid/MacTarnahan’s.
We hope this guide to Portland attractions helps you find the best things to do during your stay in our great city.
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Ellen is a local Portland writer who lives in and loves the city of Portland Oregon. She enjoys sharing information and articles with visitors and Portland locals. Visit PortlandNeighborhood.com for helpful information about Portland, including current events, popular attractions, neighborhood information, and even an online social network where you can post your questions about Portland.
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http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ellen_Prue
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