SHOW NOTES:
On this show…we are going beyond the mantra to gain some insight and mindfulness momentum. Played out? Is the request to be more mindful met with eye-rolling and heavy sighs? Well there has to be something to it don’t you think? Mindfulness has become popular because studies have showcased its benefits throughout the years, and past research shows it is often effective in reducing distressing symptoms from various mental health conditions, like anxiety and depression. And I think we can all agree that taking a meaningful time-out from a chaotic day, month, or year can only be a good thing. But let’s not just screenprint it on a t-shirt or embellish a throw pillow, let’s take some time and really dive in to see what all the fuss is.
What do your moments of mental rest look like? Do you unplug only to plug into something different and maybe more entertaining? I used to move my eyes from my computer only to pick up my phone and jump right back in. Sure it felt like a diversion and something different but before I knew it, I was sucked into streams, posts, pics, and reels. Once I came up for air I wasn’t any less stressed and possibly more burdened.
I love Spring and Fall. I love a windy day, a bright sun, and sometimes a good rain shower. I love observing nature from blowing leaves to crashing waves. There is something so powerful about nature, raw, vivid, and yes, calming. Have you ever just sat and observed? No distractions but what’s unfolding before you. Inhale deeply and open your mind. Let thoughts enter your mind. Like a cube suspended in air, turn that thought and examine it from all the different sides and angles.
Mindfulness is awareness of one’s internal states and surroundings. Mindfulness can help people avoid destructive or automatic habits and responses by learning to observe their thoughts, emotions, and other present-moment experiences without judging or reacting to them.
At Better Help I found What Is Mindfulness, And Why Has It Become So Popular?
Remember, mindfulness is not just for meditation so while you’re thinking about deep breathing and sitting cross-legged consider that mindfulness can be integrated into various activities and aspects of daily life, such as:
- Mindful Walking: Paying close attention to each step, the sensations of walking, and the environment around you.
- Mindful Eating: Eating slowly and paying attention to the taste, texture, and experience of eating without distractions.
- Mindful Breathing: Taking deep, intentional breaths and focusing on the sensation of breathing to anchor yourself in the present moment.
- Mindful Listening: Fully focusing on what someone is saying without thinking about your response or other distractions.
- Mindful Body Scan: Bringing awareness to different parts of your body, noticing any sensations or tensions without trying to change them.
- Mindful Activities: Engaging fully in activities like yoga, gardening, or even washing dishes by being fully present in the moment.
CHALLENGE: Incorporating mindfulness into your daily life can transform your experience, bringing clarity, peace, and a deeper connection to the present moment. By taking small, mindful actions each day, you can cultivate a more balanced and fulfilling life.
I Know YOU Can Do It!