In the second chapter of the Ikigai series, we examine the benefits of mindfulness towards achieving purposeful living. Founder of Elements Chiou See Anderson talks to 81-year-old Anne Brand about why she’s considered a “mindful” resident.
What does the term “being mindful” mean to you? Respecting other people’s opinions, even if I do not agree with them. Accepting that we are all different. Caring for people struggling with life in general. Donating time and money to community services which are assisting many people who are struggling to survive in today’s financial climate. Accepting fellow humans who may be different to us. It may be religion, colour, politicians, ethnicity, LGBT people.
How do you practise mindfulness? Time out for myself; walking on the beach; estuary fishing; working in my garden; losing myself in a novel; a fast walk; giving myself permission to say no when asked to do something; not feeling obliged. When I have lunch at home, I read for an hour.
How long have you been practising mindfulness? Probably for many years. When my children were teenagers and I was working, I had Thursdays off and called it my sane day. It was my time. I enjoy my quiet time and seek that peacefulness. I have practised yoga exercises on and off over many years.
Has retirement given you the space to be more mindful? Yes, I have more time for relaxation, exercise, reading, learning new skills (which I believe is important to continue to develop my brain). I also enjoy competing in challenging board games with friends. Having time to phone a friend and have a good conversation, without the pressure of having to be at work. Since moving to Elements, I have discovered so many new activities that I have resigned from some of my outside interests. I am currently reading a book about keeping your brain sharp at any age.
What do you think is your reason for being (existence/purpose)? I believe that we go through different stages of our life over many years. We transition from a child to an adult, we seek our life partner, we embark on careers, we undertake studies, we learn to parent (babies to early adults), we experience the freedom of empty nesting, the freedom to travel, and we find time to develop new skills. I have been through many phases in my life and now at a retirement age, I have learnt that we should not take life for granted as it can change very quickly. I acknowledge that it is time to be in the present and enjoy my life as much as I can and take opportunities as they come.
What do you think is your unique gift that you were born with and maybe got better at? I know that I am a people’s person. 99% of my work and voluntary life has involved meeting and speaking with people or serving the community in care/service industries. My husband’s career required our family to move towns every 3 to 5 years which meant that I had to constantly seek new employment in various towns and organisations. I realise that I am also a good organiser of people, rosters, functions, and probably my own family.
What makes you jump out of bed most mornings? It is a new day. I wake early and enjoy the early light. Planning my day as I want it to be. Listening to early radio news as to what is happening in the world that day. Checking out my garden and listening to the birds.
Tell us the things you do that give you joy every single time Gardening as I have found over many years when moving from town to town, I never really settle until I had established my own garden. The next best thing would be driving on an open road with a special friend with me. Estuary fishing and living by the tide.
