Easy Steps to Mindfulness
In our busy lives, rushing to get from one thing to another, we might not be aware of how much we are missing because we are not fully present. Most people’s excuse is they don’t have time, but we have all the time we need, we just need to learn how to use it. I am still struggling and working on this myself, but I’ve already see glimpses of what it’ll be like if I master it and that is a pretty great feeling.
(These steps and advice are inspired by the book A Walk in the Wood: Meditations on Mindfulness with a Bear Named Pooh by Dr. Joseph Parent and Nancy Parent. Highly recommend.)
Just Doing take a few minutes when you wake up to fully wake up, using all your senses. Stretch, open your eyes, take in all the little details. Set an intention for your day. Focus on being fully present as you start your day; making your bed, getting dressed, starting the coffee maker. Gently bring your mind back if it starts to wander.
Body, Mind & Heart start your day with some yoga or light stretches, breath work and meditation. Be present and ground yourself. Accept who you are right now, flaws and all. Send love and peace to your family, friends and loved ones.
Natural Magic take a walk and just notice things, sights, smells, sounds. Let them guild your path. Don’t think or make decisions. Let your inner child take over so you can appreciate the wonder and magic around and let your thoughts and imagination play. Spending time in nature is important, it smooths and heals both body and mind.
Mindfulness
Taming Your Mind mindfulness is not about NOT thinking, it’s about flowing with your thoughts, noticing and letting them go. Same goes for your fears. If you learn to recognize them, then you can start responding to them rather than reacting. Build your practice up, start small and let it grow. Setting a time in your routine is important to maintain it, but be gentle with yourself if you forget or have to skip a day.
Believe in Yourself accept yourself, even the parts you don’t like. Changing your habits and mindsets takes time so be easy on yourself. Also be gentle with friends who seem to think the worst all the time. Do your best to encourage and help them see more positively, but if their words are affecting you, it’s okay to step back.
One Thing at a Time this is the most important step in my opinion and the one people will struggle the most with, myself included. Multitasking takes the joy out of the doing. How can you be mindful if your mind is always on the next thing? It is about the journey, not the destination. Taking things one thing at a time will help you feel and be more productive. When you’re talking with a friend, really listen to what they are saying and take time to think of your reply.
Sandwich of the Day you started the day with began with intention, now you end it with reflection and gratitude. Think about what happened in your day, the good, the no-so good and how you kept to your intention. Then think of at least three people or things you are grateful for.