What even is MINDFULNESS???
This term, 'being mindful' is thrown around a lot these days, but what does it actually involve?
Mindfulness is a Buddhist philosophy that is described as paying attention, on purpose, without judgement. So is it Meditation? No, not really...
Meditation can help with being mindful and mindfulness helps to improve your meditation.
It means focusing on the present moment, without thinking about what went wrong in the past, or worrying about what might happen in the future.
Think about the task at hand without rushing through it. Are you eating? Enjoy the taste and texture of your food... Are you cooking? Send love and comfort into the task of feeding your family... Are you hanging the washing? Feel the sun that is going to dry your clothes, touch each fabric and really feel the wind on your face.
There's no need to judge the moment as good or bad, it just is what it is.
This is the best way to slow down your thoughts, to stop the worry and the regret from circling your mind. It allows space for clarity, awareness of your body, mind, spirit and your environment including how those around you feel. Your nervous system slows, your body and mind relax, you are more able to adapt to stress.
Can you imagine how this simple act of increasing awareness and relaxing your thoughts can improve so many other aspects of your life?
Improved sleep
Improved memory & concentration
Manage depression, anxiety and balance your moods
Improve your heart rate, breathing and immunity
So how can you implement this into your life?
You could practice mindfulness meditation, by focusing on the movements of your breath or doing a body scan to check into each part of your body from the crown of your head to the tips of your toes. Allowing space for your thoughts to flow in and then let them leave without claiming them as your own. Our thoughts and feelings are not actually our own, they just pass through us and we must let them.
Slow down your everyday tasks. Eat slowly without doing other things at the same time like working or watching tv. Drink your morning coffee with intent - infuse it with your days goals if you are drinking it with hopes it will bring your purpose.
Step outside, even if its just from the car to the house or office... feel the wind or sun touching your face and look up to the sky.
Watch rain run down windows, notice flowers growing in the cracks of the concrete and allow yourself the time to day dream.
If you need help slowing down your mind, come join me on Thursday evenings for our Connect & Restore evenings of meditation, journaling and support.