What
is mindfulness? People usually imagine somebody sitting on a cushion alone with
their eyes closed when they think about mindfulness. Sitting with your eyes
closed in this way has great benefits as this is sometimes what mindfulness
practice looks like… However, mindfulness is deeper than that.
Mindfulness represents a way to approach
everyday life that makes living less stressful and more enjoyable. It applies
to all aspects of life whether you are walking, eating, or sitting in class.
You can choose to practice mindfulness at any moment. It can help you better
understand what you are experiencing and how you feel. Instead of replaying the
past or worrying about the future, mindfulness makes you aware of the present
moment. Mindful awareness is about being engaged in everyday life by being
aware with kindness... Choosing to be kind to yourself and others in the
present moment, and bringing an open awareness to all your moments even if they
are unpleasant. Bringing to that awareness some kindness sand curiosity,
instead of criticism and judgement. You may be surprised at how everyday life
seems like if you are curious and kind.
How can you be mindful?This does not
necessarily mean that you need to be meditating. You just need to be paying
attention on purpose, with a little friendliness. This can relieve, sadness,
stress, or anxiety since mindfulness helps you focus on what is happening right
now and avoid worrying about the future, or the past all the time which can be
stressful and exhausting. You can train your mind to develop more ease across
your life by practicing paying attention, kindly, to little things. Anything
can be levelled up with mindfulness. Here are some examples of how you can be
mindful in everyday life. Right now, you might be sitting in a chair reading
this article on your phone. Can you notice how heavy does your phone feel in
your hand? What parts of your hand are touching the phone? Is your phone cool?
hot? Or maybe warm? Are you sitting down? What parts of your body are being
held by the chair? If you are standing, can you feel where you are placing the weight
of your body on your feet? Or which
parts of your feet are connected to the ground? This is all mindfulness!
Maybe
next time, when you are talking with someone try to listen to understand them
better instead of listen to them so that you can give them a response, or to
answer them. This is a small change that can significantly change
conversations. The trick is to postpone your immediate reactions to what you
are paying attention to. Just observe body sensations and emotions that come
up. Notice your judgment or reactions because there will be judgement, but do
not try to judge how judgmental you might be! There is no right or wrong, all
you have to do is noticing what is happening in the moment – this can be
noticing what is going on inside of you or around you. Let everything that you
notice … be there. You can practice this type of mindfulness under any
circumstance, anytime, and anywhere. Simply be aware of what is happening in
that exact moment. You can start practicing mindfulness in this moment; what
are you noticing right now?
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