Mindfulness is a word you may hear in yoga or meditation classes, but what is it? More importantly, why do we want to practice it in our everyday lives?
When practiced often, mindfulness will bring focus and more awareness of what is happening right in front of you. You can start by focusing on your breathing. It is a simple technique that can be learned by anyone, anywhere.
Mindfulness is paying attention but in a very specific way. These tips can help you discover the benefits of being mindful.
- Having intention
- Intention is doing something with purpose. This means focusing on one thing at a time.The breath is a convenient tool to use to bring you into the present moment.
- Being in the present
- Most people spend time thinking about the past and the future. This takes you away from what is happening right now. The past and future have little to do with the present because the past is done, and the future has not happened yet. Staying focused on the present makes it easier to see what is front of you right now.
- Watching without judgement
- Mindfulness helps you see what is happening now without wanting to change it. This can feel hard. You may want to feel better or wish your life was better in some way. Take a step back from those wishes and just watch for a moment. This helps you understand your deeper feelings and move forward from there.
Pause long enough to feel what is happening. Imagine holding your feelings in the palms of our hands and looking at them. This time helps you understand yourself better and appreciate those around you more.
When you know what is happening around you, then you can learn more about who you are and set your goals and priorities. You can make better decisions based by being more truthful with yourself. This can help you find meaning and purpose in your life.
Mindfulness can feel hard and even uncomfortable because paying attention to what is right in front you is not always pleasant. But remember, you do not need to judge, fix or deny. See with open eyes, an open mind and an open heart. When you accept this, your mind and body can tell the truth about what they are experiencing. From here, you can move forward with more strength and clarity.
As you practice mindfulness, your mind will start to stay in the present. Your mind may become more steady, with less thoughts that bounce between the present and the past. This will bring relaxation and calm. It will get easier over time, and you will begin to feel more relaxed even in the most stressful moments. The practice of mindfulness is worth it because you are worth it.
