Even when times are good, the decisions and actions needed to run a modern farm operation are big, and there’s a constant need to be hustling, keeping up with technology and economic conditions, and to be informed about the constantly changing policies. All of this is what makes farming stressful.

It’s good to look out into the future—to plan, be informed, and to build the relationships and knowledge that will help us weather the constant tsunami of change. But, too often, we end up missing “today.” Happiness in life is in part about being present in the now. It’s about noticing. Noticing the spring green leaves budding out in the trees. Or, the new life on the farm—baby animals, corn poking up through the ground, or the birds who show up at the bird feeder as the sun rises.

We often talk about being present—or, also as it’s now called, being “mindful.” Author and teacher John Kabat-Zinn talks about mindfulness as “paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, with a non-judgmental and accepting attitude.”  Mindfulness has been shown to improve mental and physical health. It reduces levels of anxiety, depression, and overall stress. And, it can help to stop the nagging repetitive feelings and rumination that we often think of as “worry.”

Mindfulness is not a “one-size fits all” state, practice, or action. In the media, you see mindfulness connected to things like meditation or other activities. Increasingly, smart phone “apps” and other products are being pushed to help you be and practice being a more mindful person. When I’ve talked to farm groups about stress and mental health over the last 30+ years, I’ve often gotten a bit of pushback on mindfulness. It might not feel like a good fit—or, the other common barrier seems to be a “lack of time.”

But, practicing mindfulness does not have to mean downloading a meditation app or attending a yoga class. When I really probe my farmer friends on this, and ask, “Where do you feel the most at peace? When do you feel connected—to family? To nature? To your farm? If you could be anywhere in the universe RIGHT NOW, a place that would bring you happiness and a feeling of comfort, where would it be?”  The answers are not surprising. Here are a few I’ve heard:

• Sitting in a tree stand in November. Feeling the breeze and snow flurries on my face. Listening for the crunch of leaves as I wait for a deer.
• Running the tractor early in the spring with the windows cracked open—making those first rounds, smelling the awakening of the soil as we prepare to plant crops.
• Sitting on the porch before anyone in the house wakes up—watching the steam roll off my hot coffee as I think about the day ahead and watch the world wake up.
• Going for a walk and the edge of the woods at dusk, holding hands with my partner, child, or grandchild and talking about how their day went.

These are activities that are accessible to many of us, and most readers could add their own!  They all also exemplify times and situations where you can pay attention, on purpose, in the present moment with an accepting heart. The key, is to find the time and to pursue those things that bring YOU peace. The rewards for regular practice are great. And, as research show us, within these times you can find the keys to leading a more healthy life.

How do YOU practice mindfulness? Please share what works for you in the comments below.