Mindfulness can help us have a more positive outlook on the world. It doesn’t mean if you practice mindfulness you will embody this trait all the time but through practice, it may become easier to be and feel more positive, calm, peaceful, balanced, emotionally regulated and less stressed.
Mindfulness is the practice of focusing our awareness in the present moment, without judgement and the part I love – with compassion. In short:
You Are Here
Pay attention to right now. When you go for a walk or driving your car, notice if you are lost in thought or if you are paying attention to what you are doing right then in that moment.
No Judgement
Like Planet Fitness’ slogan “no judgement zone”, can you create a non-judgement zone for yourself?
Practice Kindness
Kindness is a superpower. Explore how you can practice kindness towards yourself and others in any situation.
Photo Credit: 1) Fallon Michael 2) Girl with red hat 3) Andrew Thornebrooke
Meditation is one way to help us pay attention to the now. In meditation, we sit quietly to help our mind focus on being present. When thoughts arise, we notice them and let them go. If our mind gets lost in thought, we practice non-judgment.
We practice not judging ourselves when we realize we are lost in a train of thought instead of focusing on being present. We practice being kind to ourselves when realize we are lost in thought, and kindly and supportively bring our focus back to being present.
Mindfulness can also be practiced in everyday life. When you brush your teeth, can you focus on paying attention to your teeth and to how you are brushing them? If you notice your mind wandering into thoughts of worries of what you will do that day, you bring your attention back to brushing your teeth.
How to Live Mindfully?
Mindfulness originated from Buddhist traditions but has become a secular practice. Initial research illustrates how the practice of mindfulness supports the mind and physical body in healthy, beneficial ways helping us to become the best version of ourselves. It can help us in our professional and personal lives.
To practice mindfulness in everyday life, there are seven traits to adopt:
Non-judging
Patience
Beginner’s Mind
Trust
Non-Striving
Acceptance
Letting Go
In the coming weeks we will explore each of these in more detail: what each is and how does it apply to everyday life. Wishing you peace and happiness as you go about your everyday life!
Photo Credit (top photo): Melissa Askew