Mindfulness. Everyone is talking about it - it's one of the latest buzzwords, but what is it and how can you get on the band wagon?
Mindfulness is a form of meditation and is fantastic at helping with anxiety, depression and stress. It really allows us to enjoy our lives and bring back the passion. If you’re feeling a bit ‘stuck’ or ‘lack-lustre’ – this one is for you.
Mindfulness means living in the present moment. We spend so much time thinking about the past and worrying about the future. But in actual fact life is going on right now. In fact, it is only going on right now – in this instant. This moment is all we have. Mindfulness is about embracing that.
Right now, pause for a moment and be aware of where you are sitting (or standing). Feel how you connect to the chair/bed/sofa/ground. Have a look around – what do you see? What can you hear? What can you feel, smell and taste?
The basics
There are countless books you can read to learn much more but try starting with a few basics. Pick some activities you do every day:
-brushing your teeth,
- having a shower
- washing the dishes
- drinking your coffee or tea.
Choose one, two or three of these or any other regular daily activities and decide that these are times you will be mindful. So, if you choose brushing your teeth, the next time you brush them focus on the feel of the toothbrush in your hand, the smell of the toothpaste, the temperature of the water, how the brush feels against your gums, the sound it makes, the feeling of your mouth as it is being cleaned.
If you can set regular activities that you decide will become mindful, you will get more and more used to it and can do it at other times too. When you’re out walking you’ll become more aware of all of your senses and notice the small miracles going on around you. Whenever you can, bring yourself back to your senses and the present moment.
This is a great tool for stopping yourself getting consumed by your thoughts. So, go for it – get brushing your teeth!