“Consciously aware in the present moment without judgment.”
Self-care is an essential step to overall wellness. Being consciously aware in the present moment without judging your experience is something that we overlook when we are continuously preparing or reacting. Our busy lives have conditioned us always to think ahead or be hyper-prepared for action instead of relaxing and just taking in a moment.
Let’s filter out the forecasting and start being mindful of the details that are happening here and now. Reconnecting with life, by seeking out simplicity and awareness – finding our peace within. Over-thinking it will have you missing the point, as you don’t need to be religious or on a spiritual journey to practice mindfulness. It’s just focusing on the present, leaving worry about the future or “what ifs” and accepting that there is no right or wrong way to be mindful.
How is mindfulness relaxing?
When you tune out worries and live in the present moment, you are taking out the static and allowing your mind to rest. It’s not going to fix your anxiety, or change your negative feelings altogether, what it will do is give you a moment to enjoy the sights, sounds, smells, and happenings of what is happening one moment in time. The continuous bombardment with media and everyday distractions can be debilitating at times, it’s those distractions that can stop you from experiencing very simple joys in life.
Meditation or mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a form of meditation. The most significant difference is mindfulness is taking a moment and redirecting your focus to what is happening right now. It’s not fighting what is happening, or trying to change the way we feel; instead, it is acceptance of a moment without judgment. Human nature is we want to change things – mindfulness is allowing you to let things be as they are and accepting that moment.
Empowering.
Once you find that you can practice mindfulness, you will feel liberated and empowered. It’s not something you master, instead, it’s something you practice. Making mindfulness a habit can be a form of self-care and helps us take control over what we are feeling and how we react.
It’s easier than you think.
Most anyone can develop the skill of mindfulness and find an inner sense of calm. Making a habit of this can increase confidence, self-esteem and even contribute to compassion for people around us – and for ourselves. We are so often worried about tomorrow, or dwelling on the past. Practicing mindfulness can make us more aware of others and how they feel – fostering empathy and empowering us to help those around us.
Where to start?
Find a quiet place and close your eyes. Try starting by grounding yourself; this helps when you need to calm yourself and relax.
- 5 things you can see
- 4 things you can feel
- 3 things that you can hear
- 2 things you can smell
- 1 thing you can taste
The easiest way to follow through is to put it on your schedule and make it a habit. Take a few minutes each day to ground yourself to a calm and relaxed baseline.
Jeanine Thurston 