Zen and the Art of Pumping Gas

Learn to find opportunities to reconnect with the world around you by pulling your attention into the present moment. I was filling up my car with gas yesterday morning, which usually is not my favorite activity, and while I was pumping I pulled my attention into the NOW. First I closed my eyes and concentrated on all the sounds around me- a motorcycle zooming by (I listened to its distinctive rumble until it gently faded away), the sound of flip flops as someone walked by, the sounds of the wind...then my attention shifted to the feel of the wind on my body- blowing my hair, puffs of air hitting my legs and body, then I opened my eyes and saw a squirrel run across the street (I was saying to myself "Run, little squirrel, Run!)
Then the pump stopped, and my mini meditation was over. Now, I\'m looking forward to filling up next time.
Another great time for presence meditation is when you are waiting at a stop light or in a check out line. Become fully present by focusing on your senses: What do you see, hear, smell, feel on your body? Pay attention as long as possible. These few minutes will be rejuvenating for your mind and the time will pass without any sense of waiting.