Why Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is rising in popularity so much the benefits have been researched and scientifically proven.
But so what? Why does anyone need mindfulness?
But so what? Why does anyone need mindfulness?
As beautiful human beings
we get disconnected from ourselves,
our bodies, our best intentions and
our loved ones.
"The symptoms of this disconnect are familiar: lack of self-trust, emotional and intellectual rigidity, fear of change, perfectionism, narcissism, addictions, and free-floating anxiety...This dis-ease is commonplace in our society, regardless of age or sex, race or class, education or income.
The world we live in is a breeding ground."
(From: Writing The Mind Alive, page 91; Linda Trichter Metcalf, PH. D. and Tobin Simon, PH. D. Ballantine Books, 2002)
The world we live in is a breeding ground."
(From: Writing The Mind Alive, page 91; Linda Trichter Metcalf, PH. D. and Tobin Simon, PH. D. Ballantine Books, 2002)
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is about connection... re-connection to be specific. Mindfulness is innate, which means each of us is born with the ability to be mindful; that is to be in the moment. This moment right here. Not reactive or overwhelmed, but fully present occupying no other thoughts or actions other then to see this moment just as it is, without judgement. It is a powerful way to re-connect to our lives, ourselves and our loved ones. It's free and ever-present; something you can practice anywhere.
While mindfulness is innate, it is also a choice; it is up to each of us to engage it. It is simple... just be here. Now.
While mindfulness is innate, it is also a choice; it is up to each of us to engage it. It is simple... just be here. Now.
Try it.
Breathe.
Just breathe.
This is all that is required of you in this moment.
Breathe in slowly as your lungs fill with life-giving oxygen. Let your belly fill up to take up your space in this moment.
Slowly breathe in....then out.
Repeat slowly; once more.
Just breathe.
Breathe.
How did that feel?
It may have felt awkward, or wonderful (or something in between). Whatever you felt in those few seconds of mindful breathing is just right. There is no "wrong" way to be mindful, as long as you are trying to be more present. In this moment. Just now. See? You've got it!
Mindfulness is really this simple, and perhaps because it is ever-present we forget we need to do this for ourselves every day. You attend to a thousand details for others over thousands of moments in your day; how often do you give a moment to yourself? Just a few gentle moments to re-connected to your body and your mind.
Give yourself another few moments right now.
Mindfulness is really this simple, and perhaps because it is ever-present we forget we need to do this for ourselves every day. You attend to a thousand details for others over thousands of moments in your day; how often do you give a moment to yourself? Just a few gentle moments to re-connected to your body and your mind.
Give yourself another few moments right now.
Let's get a bit more comfortable.
Where you are.
Sit comfortably.
Shoulders relaxed, centered over hips.
Arms resting on your legs, your hands relaxed.
Chin level, a gentle smile in the corners of your mouth.
Feel the support beneath you.
Feel your body alert.
Now, as before;
Just breathe.
Breathe.
Can you feel a difference?
You have given your body the oxygen it needs (we don't tend to breathe deeply during our busy day). Perhaps you feel a bit more relaxed in the shoulders and chest... your body's way to say "thank-you". Maybe you had a thought (or sixty-one thoughts) in the few moments you gave to yourself to breathe deeply. You are a dynamic and living being, those thoughts are part of the moments you were in. They are also there to arouse you to action. Did your mind follow any of those thoughts (I'll bet it wanted to)?
Mindfulness asks you to do nothing... with intention. Just sit. Listen to yourself. Really listen to yourself without getting attached to what you are thinking or judging it. Mindfulness allows your body to communicate with you, letting you know it is tired, achy, thirsty, or feeling just right. Letting you know something that happened earlier in the day is still with you, needing kind attention (when you are done giving this time to yourself). What else emerged when you were quiet and still?
This is connection, and it takes intention and focus to connect, to really connect to yourself in a kind way. To slow down, giving yourself the permission and time to attend to what you need. Your body. Your mind. To connect to yourself compassionately and lovingly so you can continue to connect to everything else in your day.
Mindfulness asks you to do nothing... with intention. Just sit. Listen to yourself. Really listen to yourself without getting attached to what you are thinking or judging it. Mindfulness allows your body to communicate with you, letting you know it is tired, achy, thirsty, or feeling just right. Letting you know something that happened earlier in the day is still with you, needing kind attention (when you are done giving this time to yourself). What else emerged when you were quiet and still?
This is connection, and it takes intention and focus to connect, to really connect to yourself in a kind way. To slow down, giving yourself the permission and time to attend to what you need. Your body. Your mind. To connect to yourself compassionately and lovingly so you can continue to connect to everything else in your day.
Ready to take it a bit further?
Breathe.
Just breathe.
Breath slowly and deeply.
In and out, connected to this moment and no other.
As you breathe slowly and deeply let your thoughts come and go.
Thoughts are like clouds moving gently across the sky.
No more permanent, requiring nothing from you.
In this moment that is just for you.
Breathe slowly and deeply.
Just breathe.
Breathe.
Mindfulness only gives, it never takes from you.
The more you practice mindfulness, the more benefits you will receive. Your mind gets quieter in time (but not silent...that is not the goal). Your body becomes more able to "speak" with you, your mind able to "catch up to itself". Start with one minute a day. Then three minutes...then five. See if you can gently move yourself to twenty minutes a day, deepening your practice as needed over time.
Mindfulness gives you more connection to yourself, to your body, to your loved ones, to your work. You will remember your commute to the office in the mornings. You will have patience you didn't know was in you. You will feel more relaxed, open and aware. You will be more fully present, a gift that only gives and is always there for you.
Mindfulness gives you more connection to yourself, to your body, to your loved ones, to your work. You will remember your commute to the office in the mornings. You will have patience you didn't know was in you. You will feel more relaxed, open and aware. You will be more fully present, a gift that only gives and is always there for you.
Be present in your life. You are worthy of this gift.
Beginning (from Consolations; The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Every Day Words)
Beginning is difficult, and our procrastination is a fine, ever-present measure of our reluctance to take that first close-in, courageous step in reclaiming our happiness. Perhaps, because taking a new step always leads to a kind of radical internal simplification, where, suddenly, very large parts of us, parts of us we have kept gainfully employed for years, parts of us still rehearsing the old complicated story, are suddenly out of a job.
- David Whyte
To support your beginner's mindfulness...
You don't have to learn this alone. Here are a handful of smart device apps that can help you get started with mindfulness, or bring a new dimension to an existing mindfulness practice. Some apps are free, some have in-app purchases. Each are unique and support mindfulness every day, no matter what kind of day you are experiencing. They meet you where you are.
Buddhify is an interactive app designed to introduce users to techniques of urban meditation, fostering a state of mindfulness, and well-being every day. Choose topics and lengths that fit into your day.
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Taking it a bit deeper...
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Calm includes daily guided meditations and "sleep stories" to help you reduce anxiety, lower stress and live better. Focused on whole body health it offers guided options for stretching as well.
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Headspace has a little something for everyone; guided meditations, quick bits for emergency relief and specific sessions for using mindfulness in effective ways that work for you.
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Free 8 week Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Course. Taught by certified practitioners this is a great tool for anyone who wants to evolve their mindfulness practice into a life practice.
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The Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation
I am often asked about the difference between mindfulness and meditation, and John at the Relax Like A Boss website has a great resource to de-mystify and explore how mindfulness can work for you. Check out this fun and lively guide here to benefit from great tips on how to practice mindfulness at work and so much more.
More Resources...
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Helpful readers who enjoyed this page have also suggested this as a useful resource: https://myhealthchampion.com/health-and-wellness-mindfulness-resources/
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Of note...
These suggestions are based on my experience in using these apps & resources, and those of my clients who have also found them useful, "tried and true". Everyone's needs are unique, and these are not the only mindfulness tools out there, so explore and discover what works best for you. For example, you may get more out of a yoga or meditation class in your community; there are many ways to support mindfulness - find your "best practice" (it's out there waiting for you).
Enjoy!
Enjoy!