Simple Steps To Mindfulness

We hear a lot about being Mindful and how it is so beneficial, but as simple as the steps are to becoming more mindful it is a practice that a lot of people struggle with.

My thought is the difficulty lies with the fact that it takes time to stop and be mindful.  It is a “practice” and one that needs to continually be practiced.  Remember we live in the “McDonald” age where we want to order things at one window and expect they are ready by the time we reach the next window.

Becoming more mindful does not work this way.  It takes time possibly 5-10 minutes several times a day, but the outcome is so incredibly healthy for our our entire being, not to mention those we come in contact with.

I have attached an article below that gives a very clear and simple explanation about becoming mindful and the steps below and guidance are addressed.

1. Take a seat. Find a place to sit that feels calm and quiet to you.
2. Set a time limit. If you’re just beginning, it can help to choose a short time, such as 5 or 10 minutes.
3. Notice your body. You can sit in a chair with your feet on the floor, you can sit loosely cross-legged, in lotus posture, you can kneel—all are fine. Just make sure you are stable and in a position you can stay in for a while.
4. Feel your breath. Follow the sensation of your breath as it goes out and as it goes in.
5. Notice when your mind has wandered. Inevitably, your attention will leave the sensations of the breath and wander to other places. When you get around to noticing this—in a few seconds, a minute, five minutes—simply return your attention to the breath.
6. Be kind to your wandering mind. Don’t judge yourself or obsess over the content of the thoughts you find yourself lost in. Just come back.

I challenge you to read the article and try the steps once you realize that it is quite easy and practice it even once a day, it will make a difference.  Once you start this practice and make it a daily habit you will want to take a few more “mindful” breaks as time goes on.

Be well!

Tina

How to Practice Mindfulness