{HMW} Soft fascination: why staring out a window is actually good for you
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Dear Reader, One of the terms I've become familiar with in the few last years is the concept of Soft Fascination. Soft fascination is a term used to describe a kind of gentle, effortless attention that allows your mind to wander while still being engaged with the environment around you. Unlike activities that demand intense focus or concentration, soft fascination occurs when you're involved in something that captures your attention just enough to keep you engaged, but not so much that it prevents your mind from drifting. The benefits of soft fascination for mental health can be profound. First, it allows the mind to rest and recover. In a world where we're constantly bombarded with information and demands for our attention, soft fascination provides a welcome break. It creates a space for your brain to relax, reducing stress and anxiety levels. Additionally, soft fascination can boost creativity and problem-solving. When your mind is allowed to wander freely, it often connects ideas in new and unexpected ways. This can lead to creative insights or solutions to problems that might not have emerged through deliberate focus. Lastly, soft fascination helps cultivate mindfulness and present-moment awareness. By engaging with your surroundings in a gentle, non-demanding way, you're more likely to notice the small details and simple pleasures of life. This practice of mindfulness can enhance your overall mood and increase feelings of contentment and gratitude. Here are 10 ways to practice Soft Fascination this week: Stare outside of a window for 10 minutes just to notice what you see Watch the stars from your backyard on a comfy chair at dusk Observe the flicker of a candle flame – Watching the subtle movements of the flame as it dances and sways. Listen to the rustling of leaves in the wind – Tuning in to the soothing sound without trying to track its source. Watch clouds drift across the sky – Noticing the shapes and patterns as they slowly change and move. Admire the concentric circles that form in a puddle on a rainy day Sit at an outdoor cafe and people watch Watch the shadows change as the sun sets – Observing how the light and shadows shift and stretch across the landscape Listen to birds chirping in the morning – Allowing the sounds to gently fill your awareness without trying to identify the species Go to a museum: Pick one piece of art that you instinctively feel gravitated towards and gaze at it quietly for 5-10 minutes just to see what comes up. What other ways do you cultivate soft fascination or awe in your life? Have it: Interesting article alert: Does distracted eating make you eat more? Yes, but not how you'd think Made it: Texture-maxxing, lemongrass and your vagus nerve, the psychology of whistling, and what color your bedroom should be if you actually want to sleep. This week's 5-Senses Sunday is live. Want it: This is a very sweet gift idea for Mother's day for Mama's with young children. Ingredient Spotlight: Haricots Vert I think I was about 30 when I learned how to properly say the words haricot vert. Having never taken French, I incorrectly pronounced the H at the beginning and T's at the end of each word when instead I was supposed to sound all fancy. To me, they were just green beans. In truth, Haricot Verts are very similar to green beans but perhaps a bit thinner and longer than traditional green beans - and way fancier than the green beans you get in a can. Nevertheless, whichever one you choose you will still reap all of the health benefits from eating them. In addition to the plentiful fiber in them they also possess high levels of vitamins C, A and K as well as health promoting antioxidants like quercetin, kaempferol, and beta-carotene. Be sure to snap off the ends before steaming, sautéing these guys, otherwise it becomes an unruly mess in your mouth as you chew. I love to pair steamed haricot vert with beluga lentils and dressed with a thyme mustard sauce. Here are some additional ways to cook and prepare them! >>>> Recipes with hericot verts Announcements & Upcoming: Next week: The EmpowerHer - Midlife Metabolism Reset Bundle goes live. I'll be sending out more details and how to sign up on Monday so look for it! Extra Bytes: What I'm Reading: Yesteryear by Caro Claire Burke What I'm Watching: Margo's got Money Problems What I'm Listening to: Songs that feature whistling What I'm Eating: French Lentil Bowls With Pesto Cashew Cheese & Walnut-Roasted Peppers That's it for me this week. I hope you all have a happy and healthy hump day! Warmly, Jenny |