Take a moment and try to be aware of what you are experiencing through all of our senses - this is a practice of mindfulness.
Mindfulness helps us to observe with greater focus and better control how we think, feel and act and gives us a chance to listen to our inner voice. This can be a voice that helps keep you grounded and honest, sending positive messages, messages that hold some importance.
Take some time to contemplate things and if questions arise know there are always answers if you take the time to look for them. Listen for your inner voice that may remind you to be patient when expecting results. Things will happen at the right time not always your time.
Back to mindfulness. We can set the stage for mindfulness through questions such as:
What brings meaning to an experience? What makes it special or meaningful to me?
For motivation think of:
What benefits or goals could you achieve by being more mindful?
Perhaps it could be to improve your communication skills or be better able to manage your thoughts and feelings
Address obstacles to being mindful:
What obstacles might you face while trying to become more mindful?
Is it your mind wandering while meditating
Not practicing regularly
Trying too hard/ over-focusing
Now give some thought for how you might overcome these obstacles
Some more questions to ask while practicing mindfulness:
How am I feeling right now?
How do I feel about the day ahead (or tomorrow)?
Who am I? Who is the real person sitting here?
Where is my attention right now?
Where am I physically feeling my perceptions right now?
Who would I be if I didn’t have limiting beliefs?
How can I better take care of myself?
If you can observe where you are compared to where you want to be, identify steps and assemble a plan that is truly doable, having a direction, being able to see a desired end goal, there will be an element of success in this for even if you slightly miss the mark or change your mind as you go – you're still moving forward in a direction you want to go!
Benefits Derived From Being Mindful
Mindful Living can cultivate a judgement free zone
For those of you who have emotions trying to take over, realize that you can choose to focus on the current moment acknowledging your emotions, doing so without judgement, knowing the part they play but not allowing them to take over.
Mindfulness can have you be more appreciative:
During un-enjoyable moments, it can be tempting to let your mind wander. Even in these moments, try being mindful,staying in the moment even if it's unpleasant or uncomfortable.
If you’re staying aware during an unpleasant moment, you don’t have to give into feelings of negativity, instead, focus on being grateful. Have a switch of mindset!
Mindful Living can improve your mood
A simple way to improve your mood is with mindfulness. If anxious thoughts, which are often the result of worrying about the future arise or sad thoughts come, because you have been regretting the past, bring yourself back to the present moment realizing that unless there’s something you can do to change your past, then you can take the option of accepting what’s happened in your life.
Build awareness
Your emotions want to be heard, so acknowledge your feelings. Take a few deep breaths and acknowledge what emotions may be bubbling to the surface.
You can analyze those emotions by asking questions like:
Where are these emotions coming from?
Are they linked to something that happened recently?
Ask yourself if your emotions are in proportion to what happened.
Look at what your choices are and what is the best response. Responding instead of reacting.
Give this mindful type living a shot and see what changes come about.
Images from graphicstock
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