Mindfulness is a Developed Skill.
Bringing mindful attention to the present moment has become increasingly popular these days. Mindfulness is how you’re paying attention as you go about your day. Rather than being on autopilot, you’re more fully aware of each moment. When you’re mindful, even the simplest things can bring you awe and help you spirituality awaken.
Research has shown that mindfulness helps our brains become more balanced and integrated. You’re training your brain to be less distracted and more focused. You pay attention to the present moment—without judging it. Like any skill, mindfulness requires practice. Here are simple ways to bring more mindfulness into your daily life.
Listen Mindfully to Others.
Most of us are not fully present when we’re having a conversation with someone. Rather than listening attentively to the other person, we’re thinking about what we’re going to say in response. We’re judging what they’re saying instead of being open and non-judgmental.
The next time you have a conversation, use it as an opportunity to practice mindfulness. Completely focus on the other person. Pay attention to what they are saying, not your mind’s chatter. Listening mindfully is an act of kindness. People appreciate it when you listen to what they say.
Don’t Automatically Believe Your Thoughts.
Your ego’s identities arise from your thoughts. You believe recurring thoughts rather than questioning if they are true. It becomes part of your conditioning and belief systems, but it’s not who you really are. So often we get automatically pulled into negativity. We don’t realize it’s our mother’s and father’s beliefs unconsciously operating in the background.
Start observing your thoughts whenever you can. Especially pay attention to any repetitive thought patterns. You want to be an impartial witness to your thoughts—a non-judgmental observer. Instead of thinking, I’m not good enough, think, I’m having a thought which is telling me I’m not good enough.
When you watch your mind, more mindfulness comes into your life. You consciously step out of the current of your mind’s incessant thoughts. Then you don’t unconsciously buy into the lies, get triggered, or go down well-worn agonizing pathways of the past. You stop playing the ego’s games. Through the practice of mindfulness, you don’t believe your thoughts . . . or take them that seriously. That’s when your thoughts and emotions lose their painful grip on you.
Do One Thing at a Time.
We have the mistaken belief that multi-tasking makes us more productive. In fact, it actually drains us faster. By stretching our attention simultaneously in different directions, we’re more apt to make mistakes and be less productive. It saps our energy physically and emotionally.
It’s better to focus on one thing at a time. Give full attention to the task at hand. You’ll accomplish the job more efficiently and be less likely to feel tired or stressed. Life is meant to be enjoyed—not just a to-do list where you’re rushing to achieve too many things.
Start with Being Mindful a Few Minutes a Day.
While waiting can seem like an annoyance, it’s a great opportunity to practice mindfulness. When you’re waiting, focus on your breathing. Relax and become aware of your thoughts. Be immersed in the moment, even if it’s just for a minute.
Practice mindfulness during daily activities you normally zone out on like eating a snack, folding laundry or walking to your car. Focus on the sounds, smells, tastes, sights and the feelings related to these things.
We do better with short intervals of mindfulness. It’s best to be mindful for a minute several times a day rather than a lengthier session. Start with a few minutes of mindfulness daily and work your way up to a total of 20 minutes a day. I’m not kidding when I say it will dramatically improve your happiness and health.
Balanced Mindfulness is Important.
Much like a puppy or toddler, your mind is a natural wanderer. Mind-wandering serves an important psychological role, especially related to imagination and creativity. Mindfulness is about focusing on the present moment and plays an essential part in your well-being. Strive to find a balance between living in the moment and connecting to your mind-wandering thoughts.
Increase Mindfulness Daily.
If you can be more mindful in the present moment, your life will take on a richer depth. To live your best life, you’ve got to be present for it. That means bringing your awareness more fully to the moment throughout the day. Mindfulness—that is the path to being a happier, healthier person.
