Magic markers

We make a lot of wishes in my family. Someone's necklace clasp has worked its way to the front? Make a wish as you move it back into place. Going through a tunnel? Hold your breath and make a wish. The clock says 11:11? Make a wish. We toss wishes in fountains, send wishes to stars, blow wishes on birthday candles.

It occurred to me that all these opportunities for wishes make excellent opportunities for bringing more mindfulness into my life. In my meditation class last spring, they encouraged us to come up with markers—regular occurrences in our day that would remind us to pause and be in the moment. They suggested things like brushing our teeth, waiting for an elevator, starting the car, and so on, but I have actually found those types of things to be too routine.

I can borrow some of that wishing time, though. After all, it's time when I am already pausing for a moment to think of something nice.