It’s not  by accident that you are reading this. Something about the word mindfulness struck your curiosity. Perhaps it was a nudge from your soul? Mindfulness….What is it?

It’s simple. Mindfulness is  purposefully paying attention to the present moment nonjudgmentally. It is a concept based on Buddhism. We become used to living in an unmindful way which is why at first practicing mindfulness may be challenging and hard. With a little practice, you can do it!

It is about attention and awareness. Claim the only moment we really have. That is this one. This moment…..right here, right now. Thinking and living in the past can cause depression. Thinking and living in the future can cause anxiety.

We go through our daily lives really not aware of what we are doing. Think about that. Tomorrow morning when you are brushing your teeth, be aware of what you are doing. Be conscious of what you are doing. Only think about brushing your teeth.

Do it for just one minute. Don’t think about your day’s schedule, what you are going to make for dinner or what you need to add to your store list. Did you do it? Were you able to only think about brushing your teeth for that minute?

It is harder than it sounds. Why is this? Because some other thought or thoughts are going to pop up causing your mind to wonder. Be gentle on yourself. Simply bring your attention back to the present moment.

It takes practice. Once perfected, you will find practicing mindfulness is a stress reliever. We all deserve to have less stress in our lives!

Try these 3 Steps to Mindfulness for one week to decrease stress and increase overall wellbeing

• Location: Mindfulness can be practiced anywhere, while washing dishes, taking a shower or doing laundry. When you are new to it, start in a quiet area where you are free from distractions. Get your body into a comfortable position.
• Breathing: Focus on your inhalations and exhalations like the tide coming into shore and gently going back out to sea. Rhythmically, slowly, expand and fill your lungs with each breathe.
• Mind: Focus on the present moment. Observe yourself. When you first start your mind is going to wander. Past events or memories will come up. Thoughts of the future will come up. As they come up, acknowledge them, observe them, then let them go. Return to the present moment. Bring your attention back to you. Pay attention to how your body feels. Use your senses to take in what it is surrounding you. Notice any sounds you hear. Focus on the softness or fluffiness of the bed or chair you are sitting on. Be aware of the candles or incense you have lit before you began.

9 Benefits of Mindfulness

There is a lot of scientific data to support the therapeutic effects of practicing mindfulness. Here are a few:

• Decreased stress
• Higher brain functioning
• Increased immune function
• Lowered blood pressure
• Lowered heart rate
• Increased awareness
• Increased attention and focus
• Decreased anxiety
• Feeling of calmness and feeling connected

This list is not all inclusive to the numerous benefits of practicing mindfulness. Give it a try. Just 5-10 minutes a day to start. It takes practice.  Do not give up! Remember learning to ride a bike without training wheels did not happen on the first try.

You have the ability to control your thoughts

You have the ability to remove any thoughts

You have the ability to install any thoughts

Namaste…………..