07/09/2024
mind·ful·ness
ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs
noun
1.
the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
“their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition”
2.
a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.
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Mindfulness is a useful tool that can change your life. I use to think it was “woo-woo crazy person-hippie stuff,” but it’s not.
Mindfulness is simply the state of choosing and being aware.
When your’e choosing mindfulness, you’re choosing to respond to something instead of react to it.
Think of someone cutting you off while driving. Sometimes, this can bring us anger, grief, and a few choice words for that jerk that cut you off, lol.
When choosing mindfulness, you observe those feelings. Instead of acting on them, you could take a deep breath and let it pass. Your time is too important for that stuff anyways.
Imagine being mindful when you’re hungry, sad, experiencing “bad” emotions and even experience “good” ones. It’s a game-changer.
In my personal experience, mindfulness has lowered my stress levels, lowered my heart rate, increased my ability to enjoy the day, and enriched my relationships. Mindfulness can support you in better food decisions, too.
Start right now by:
1. Read all the steps
2. Close your eyes
3. Take 3 deep breaths. (5 seconds in, 5 seconds hold, 5 seconds out)
4. Notice and name/label how you feel.
5. Just notice it, let it pass. Careful not to judge.
6. Smile. And have a great day!
Even if you are mindful for just 1 min of the day, it can make a difference :)