Mindfulness is a discipline originating in Buddhism that helps people observe what their mind and body are thinking and experiencing without judgement. We have created a collection of ideas to improve your mindfulness for a peaceful consciousness and a better day.
Deep Breath In
If you are like most people in the flow of life, you probably aren’t connected enough with your breath, and taking even small amounts of time to draw deep, slow breaths can help de-stress any life activity.
Scan Your Body
People often hold tension in particular parts of their body, so closing your eyes and mentally scanning yourself for tension can help identify where it is. Once located, breathwork can help you release this tension from your body.
Back to Yourself
If you are like most people in the flow of life, you probably aren’t connected enough with your breath, and taking even small amounts of time to draw deep, slow breaths can help de-stress any life activity.
No Judgement Zone
People spend a lot of time deciding whether their thoughts are good or bad, but a mindful person lets thoughts arise, be felt fully, and leave without judgement.
Don’t Just Do It
It’s ok not to be “doing something” all the time. People sometimes create busywork to avoid experiencing their own emotions, but this is the only way to allow feelings that give us discomfort to depart. Simply existing as yourself and mastering the flow of sensory input can help you be more productive when you are actively “doing” once again.
Look at the World
Find a tranquil or compelling spot to observe the world and notice the colors, shapes, and activity that is going on around you. As this happens, don’t linger on any particular object or judge what you see; absorb the details you may have never noticed before about the world around you.
Get All Your Senses Involved
Don’t let your eyes do all the heavy lifting in the computer age! Take a moment for each of your senses (see, hear, taste, touch, smell) to identify five things that they perceive. We train our brains to tune out many things like unpleasant smells or annoying sounds but try to notice everything for just a moment.
You Are What You Think
Take some time to listen to your thoughts. What are you telling yourself? Do not judge or fixate on any of your thoughts; feel the thoughts and emotions as they appear and release them with your breath. In this way, you will learn how crucial it is to cleanse the mind of negativity by feeling all your emotions to letting them go.
Stop Concentrating!
Mindfulness differs from concentrating or being “mindless” and not focusing on anything. Instead of fixating on specific topics or letting the mind zone out, mindfulness roots us in our senses and frees our minds from the domination of our thoughts and automatic reactions. It makes actual concentration possible by teaching you to focus on what you choose and releasing thoughts you do not need.
Mindful Everything
Many activities are done on autopilot; walking to the mailbox, riding on a train, washing dishes. These times where we “zone out” can be perfect opportunities to test your mindful skills and help these activities become more thoughtful, peaceful, and clarifying.
