Mindfulness is a form of meditation anyone can do
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that refers to being completely in touch with and aware of the present moment, as well as taking a nonjudgmental approach to our inner experience. When you are mindful, you simply observe and let thoughts, emotions and sensations pass away without being drawn into them.
Last time, I asked you to notice your breath. To notice how you breathe, is it shallow or deep? Do you find yourself sighing often? Are you breathing with your chest or breathing with your belly? I hope you were still for a moment and practiced being aware of your breath.
Paying attention to your breath is something we can all do. You are breathing anyway and it doesn’t take any extra time to notice. When you do this, you are being mindful. Yes, it can be that simple.
Check your judgement at the door
Mindfulness involves a conscious attention of our awareness. It refers to a psychological quality that involves bringing your complete attention to the present on a moment-to-moment basis. It involves experiencing the present and noticing “what is” in a nonjudgmental way.
Keep your mind absorbed right here in this moment, noticing the details and nuances of your actions. For example, if you eat an apple with mindfulness, you will notice the texture, the aroma, the feeling of taking a bite, the crunching sound you hear, and how the juice squirts out as you bite into it. You will notice everything there is to notice about eating and really tasting that apple.
Manage stress by being mindful
Mindfulness is widely recognized as a healthy way to manage stress and improve well-being. You can practice mindfulness in many different ways. A mindfulness practice brings focus to selected objects, such as the sensation of breathing, with awareness to the present moment and nonjudgmental acknowledgment of what is happening.
Your action step for today is to experiment and get creative in seeing how you can fit in a minute or two of just noticing your breathing. I suggest at least once a day. Bring your awareness to the moment and become mindful. This is a time to let everything else go. Be still and just breathe.
Bonnie Groessl is a best-selling author, podcast host, holistic nurse practitioner and success coach. Her mission is to educate, empower and facilitate your well-being while nurturing the mind-body-spirit connection. You can find links to her books, guided meditation audios, blog and podcast at www.bonniegroessl.com.