Our daily lives have never been busier; for most people juggling work, family and other projects means we are becoming increasingly time poor and stretched. I used to think that mindfulness and meditation were only things that could be done when people had lots of time, but I have been discovering the benefits of making the most of small moments every day and it’s amazing how even small time periods can make a big difference.
Firstly; what does mindfulness mean? “A mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.” The good news is the more you practice mindfulness the more it becomes an everyday habit. You don’t need lots of time, in fact even a few moments each day can help to bring calm and focus.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
Focus on your breath – Breathing exercises are a wonderful way to incorporate mindfulness to daily life, I began practicing these during pregnancy and it made such a difference to how I felt that it is something I have continued. Deep breathing can be performed at any time of day, it is particularly great to start the day with intention or to cope under stressful situations. Simply breathe deeply in to the tummy rather than simply the chest for several breaths, focusing as you do so. I like to incorporate Mint Thé Temple Balm in to my breathing ritual, a small amount on the inside of the wrists adds the wonderful mind clearing aromatherapy benefits of the botanicals, for an even more effective ritual.
Get moving – There is the conception that mindfulness always involves being quiet and still and yet Yoga is a fantastic way to challenge yourself physically, as well as practicing mindfulness. The concentration needed to perform yoga poses and the awareness it brings to our body makes it wonderful for fostering mindfulness. Whether you book for a yoga class, or simply perform some moves when you wake up it has a wealth of benefits for the body and the soul.
Appreciate nature – Living twenty-four seven lifestyles can be all consuming; but a simple walk in nature can be wonderfully restoring for the body and the soul. Focusing on our surroundings whilst on a walk, or simply getting outside as much as possible encourages us to be mindful and brings greater awareness both of ourselves and others. If you are lucky enough to live close to a River or the sea, I truly believe I have done some of my best thinking staring at the waves, it has a way of making thoughts clearer and putting problems in perspective.
We hope you implement some of these in your everyday routine. We love you to share how do you incorporate mindfulness in to your busy life?
Comments
Mindfulness and Meditation
A lovely post and highlighting a subject I'm passionate about - the health of the mind. I've been meditating for almost 15 years and have a formal morning practice but you are so right to look at ways we can become centred during different periods of our busy days. The mind's tendency is to fleet from past to future. We so rarely allow ourselves to be fully in the present. When I catch myself absorbed in my mind's cd of past and future stories, I tell myself 'Where are you? Just be here. That's all you have to do." And so I bring my attention back to my surroundings or whatever I'm doing in that moment. Focusing on our breath, as you mention, is a wonderful way to quieten the mind and bring us back to the present. Like you I also love to get out and walk and take in all the sights and sounds. It's true nourishment for the heart and soul.
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