When we are feeling quite ‘switched on’, we become more aware of those times where we can be mindful and intentional in our interactions with others: the “you go first” instances as you both rush towards a door, or at a traffic junction (I have to confess that where I come from, we suffer from cultural over-politeness in these moments - those traffic junctions take a while!).

Other times, we can be talking to someone else, and their disarming honesty and openness can prompt us to do the same - the gift of ‘going second’.

However, most days we aren’t obviously mindful. We just go about our day somewhat automatically, unless something startles us or brings about a pause. It can all be a bit ‘Groundhog Day’, without any one moment making us particularly aware. That said, there are a multitude of opportunities to choose as instances to pay attention and look deeper.
Our perception that we are busy can make us feel that if we just let the day slide by and can crawl into bed, regaining some energy to do it all again the next day, then that is our life. It doesn’t have to be that way - the more you become a noticer, the more you see chances to connect and make a difference - not just to your own wellbeing, but to the happiness of others around you. It doesn’t have to be a big, brash, showy moment or a special occasion. Little mindful actions that show you are conscious and mindful of how each other ticks can bring simple pleasure and joy into the mundaneness of the day.

When we are going through our own trials, it can feel so isolating and all-consuming, taking up all of our time and energy - everyone else seems to be merrily going about their lives while you are on a painful pause. When you think about it though, this is not true. Our own pain makes us oblivious to the experience of others; if we think about it, we all know someone else who is experiencing their own struggles too. Can you step out of your own situation briefly and consider ways to help them? It can be a practical thing, or maybe they just need a chat, company, or a small act of thoughtfulness. Of course, we can all offer our “thoughts and prayers” and they are valid - we need to actually hold space for the person in our hearts and minds. This is what being mindful for others means - we carve time and energy to consider them, their well-being, and oftentimes this spurs us into action.
How easy it is to just say we’ll think or pray for someone, though. Make it go beyond just saying that stock phrase, and actually do it.