In recent years, mindfulness has become much better known as an important practice for self-development and happiness. Having its roots in ancient traditions, mindfulness is about being present in the moment with a non-judgmental, open, and curious attitude.
Self-Awareness And Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a choice to be aware and present to our experiences. This is necessary for positive change because it is the necessary starting point for transformation. Whether you seek to heal difficult emotions, change a behavior or improve your relationships, your awareness will be necessary.
Mindfulness practices help us learn to observe our thoughts and emotions, and become more aware of our reactions to the external reality. With more self-awareness we can begin to identify those areas of our lives that are unfulfilling while becoming more aware of our true desires and needs.
We might start to see our patterns of negative self-talk or unproductive routines. Without awareness of these patterns, we remain ignorant of their impact on our wellbeing and our lives.
Choosing How We Respond
Emotional control is one area that greatly benefits from practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness enables us to have a balanced response towards life events even when these events trigger intense emotions. When we practice meditation and other mindfulness practices, and learn to carry a mindful approach in our everyday life, we create space between us and our emotions.
When we are mindful of what happens, we get an opportunity to pause before reacting, creating space between the stimulus and our response. Instead of acting instinctively based on emotions alone, we have other options available to us.
We might feel small and hurt, but we can still make a decision to give an empowered response.We might feel angry, but we can choose a compassionate response. Mindfulness empowers us to choose how we respond.
In time, we can even learn to choose how we feel.
Concentration Development
The monkey mind is known to all. In this age of rapid movement in the world that never sleeps, it’s becoming increasingly difficult to stay focused. And focus truly is everything. Wherever we place our attention, our energy flows.
The more we are able to choose our focus, the more we can guide our life intentionally. In our daily lives, the ability to stay focused increases our productivity and effectiveness in all areas of our lives.
Setting Goals Based On What We Really Want
As we become more mindful, we can set personal goals which are true reflections of our authentic self. As we self-reflect, so too does our understanding about what is most important for us deepen. With increased self-awareness comes a capacity to select those aims which resonate with us rather than being driven by outside pressures , social expectations or maybe a fantasy which isn’t aligned with our best interests.
Letting Go Of Anything Unhelpful Or Unnecessary
Mindfulness encourages letting go of attachments to things, relationships or places no longer helpful or healthy for us. It makes us aware of what is not for us – and gives us the necessary detachment to be willing to make changes that maybe are difficult.
Familiarity and comfort can make it difficult to see the true impact of something in our lives. As we become more deeply aware of ourselves, we become more aware of our true feelings and the nature of our reality.
Does anything make you feel drained? Is there always sadness or emptiness after meeting up with someone?
Looking Beyond the Ordinary
Mindfulness helps us to look beyond the ordinary, understanding life more deeply and seeing more deeply through our experiences. We become alive to what is happening around us and within ourselves by having a mindful presence. Truly, without the ability to be aware and present, we could be missing out on the immense richness of our lives.
Igniting Creativity and Problem Solving
Studies have shown that practicing mindfulness can increase cognitive flexibility as well as foster innovative thinking abilities. Through meditation we are opening ourselves up to guidance that we would not hear otherwise. Mindfulness helps us tap into a field of awareness that is rich with possibilities that our intellect can miss.
Building Resilience and Increasing Tolerance for Discomfort
Discomfort is a necessity in life. Whether we are dealing with difficult emotions or are experiencing a transition, we need to be able to manage our discomfort. Mindfulness practices offer us tools that help us grow in resilience and increase our tolerance to discomfort.
In challenging times, this makes all the difference. When we seek to grow and reach new goals, discomfort is an essential component – there is no learning or growth without discomfort.
Mindfulness practices teach us to remain peaceful, present and stable through discomfort and to accept everything as it comes.
Reducing Stress Levels And Alleviating Anxiety Disorders
Scientific research has shown many times that mindfulness helps us reduce stress by inducing relaxation and promoting peace. R
Genuine Self – Expression
How can we express ourselves authentically if we are not aware of ourselves? Mindfulness helps us know ourselves more. We cannot speak our truth unless we know our truth.
Learning to Practice Mindfulness in Your Daily Life
Be Conscious Of Your Breath
The easiest way to practice being mindful in day-to-day activities is through paying attention to our breath. Through this technique, we ground ourselves in the current moment; whenever you find that your mind has wandered off, gently bring it back and focus on how air moves into and out from nostrils.
You can also use a silent mantra throughout the day to give your mind a point of focus.
Meditation
Many people think that meditation means sitting down and not thinking at all. While a quiet mind is ultimately the goal of meditation, what it really involves is being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations in the present moment.
Meditation involves taking time each day to sit quietly and observe our thoughts and feelings as they come without judging them. It allows you to be more present with yourself.
Some examples of meditations include body scans, guided meditations, loving-kindness meditation or just sitting quietly and focusing on your breath. You can start a daily practice by adding five minutes of morning or evening meditation into your routine until you feel comfortable increasing the time.
Mindful Walking
Mindful walking is a beautiful way to practice mindfulness that Thich Nhat Hanh often spoke about. As you walk, pay attention to how your feet feel hitting the ground, notice your breath coming in and out of your mouth/nose, listen for sounds around you or feel wind blowing across your face. This doesn’t necessarily have to be set apart as its own event — try it during any walks you take throughout the day!
Writing
Writing is an excellent tool for awareness building. Putting words down on paper about what we’re thinking/feeling/doing helps us tune in to our present experience and can bring to light new aspects.
Mindful Eating
In mindful eating all attention should be directed towards eating itself. Create a peaceful atmosphere giving your undivided focus to eating in silence. You can say a little prayer or have a gratitude practice prior to eating. Consider how much goes into making a meal available for us. To really enjoy your meal, take every bite slowly and enjoy the texture, smells and taste.
Just Breathe and Be
Mindfulness returns us to the flow of life. It helps us slow down and tune in. The world is always noisy and running fast. True silence starts within our minds – the more we learn to be with ourselves with awareness and loving silence, the more we can hear our true voice.