How to Become More Mindful in Your Everyday Life

Mindfulness has become a popular topic in recent years, with more and more people looking to integrate it into their lives. But what exactly is Mindfulness, and how can you become more mindful in your everyday life?

What is Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the practice of present moment awareness. It is about living in the here and now and being fully present in each moment. Mindfulness can help us cope with stress, anxiety, and depression and improve our physical health.
Mindfulness is the essential human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s happening around us.
When we engage in mindful awareness, we observe our thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad. We become aware of our history – the patterns and habits that we have developed over time – without getting caught up in them. In other words, Mindfulness is a non-judgmental, present-centered awareness in which thoughts, feelings, and sensations are acknowledged and accepted as they are.

The seven principles of Mindfulness are:

1. Non-judging – observing your thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad
2. Patience – accepting your thoughts and feelings without trying to change them
3. Beginner’s mind – approaching your experiences with openness and curiosity
4. Trust – trusting your own experience and intuition
5. Non-striving – letting go of the need to control or achieve specific outcomes
6. Acceptance – accepting yourself, others, and your experiences as they are
7. Letting go – releasing attachment to thoughts, feelings, and outcomes

What is the purpose of Mindfulness?

The purpose of Mindfulness is to wake up to the fact that we are alive – to be fully present and engaged in our lives. It is about getting in touch with our own body, heart, and mind so that we can relate to others with openness, flexibility, and intimacy. Isn’t this reason enough for wanting to learn how you can become more mindful in your everyday life?

What are some Mindfulness techniques?

Mindfulness techniques include:
1. Body scan – observing your body from head to toe, noticing any sensations that you feel
2. Breathing awareness – focusing on your breath and noticing the sensations of breathing
3. Walking meditation – focusing on your feet and the sensation of walking while paying attention to your breath
4. Loving-kindness meditation – cultivating feelings of love and compassion for yourself and others
5. Visualization – picturing a calm or peaceful scene in your mind

The 3 or 5 steps of Mindfulness are:
1. Pay attention on purpose
2. Notice when your mind wanders and bring it back
3. Be patient and non-judgmental
4. Accept your thoughts and feelings as they are
5. Let go of attachment to outcomes

Mindfulness Meditations

There are many different types of meditation, but mindfulness meditation is one of the most popular. Mindfulness meditation is a form of meditation that allows you to focus your attention on the present moment and observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment. Mindfulness meditation is a practice that focuses on your breath and/or a specific mantra or phrase. There are many different mindfulness meditation practices, but some common ones include:
1. Breathing meditation – focusing on your breath and noticing the sensations of breathing
2. Body scan meditation – observing your body from head to toe, noticing any sensations that you feel
3. Loving-kindness meditation – cultivating feelings of love and compassion for yourself and others
4. Visualization meditation – picturing a calm or peaceful scene in your mind

Mindfulness examples include:
1. Eating mindfully – noticing the taste, texture, and smell of your food; savoring each bite; and eating without distractions
2. Walking mindfully – focusing on your feet and the sensation of walking while paying attention to your breath
3. Breathing mindfully – focusing on your breath and noticing the sensations of breathing
4. Listening mindfully – really listening to someone without judging, interrupting, or letting your mind wander
5. Observing mindfully – paying attention to your surroundings and noticing things that you usually wouldn’t notice

Additional Mindfulness examples:

Mindfulness can be practiced in so many ways, It’s really up to the individual to find what works best for them. If you are interested in learning more ways to increase being present in your life, Ana de Guzman, recently wrote about Mindfulness practices in her blog for RedFin. The Keys to a Peaceful Apartment: 24 Ways to Practice Mindfulness

What are the benefits of Mindfulness?

The benefits of mindfulness meditation include increased well-being, improved mental and physical health, greater focus and concentration, enhanced self-awareness, and more.
The benefits of Mindfulness include
1. Increased well-being
2. Improved mental and physical health
3. Greater focus and concentration
4. Enhanced self-awareness
5. Increased empathy and compassion
6. decreased stress and anxiety levels
7. improved sleep quality

How Do I Learn Mindfulness

One of the best things about Mindfulness is that it can be practiced anywhere, at any time. You don’t need any special equipment or clothing, and you can do it for as long or as short as you like. Mindfulness is also suitable for people of all ages and levels of fitness.

If you’re interested in learning more about Mindfulness or starting a practice, many resources are available, including books, courses, and apps. However, the best way to learn is through a qualified teacher in a group or one-on-one setting. In addition, I provide Mindfulness techniques as part of my Life Coaching process. If you are interested in learning more please feel free to schedule a discovery call here.

Qualified mindfulness teachers can be found through your local community center, hospital, or place of worship. There are also many mindfulness retreats and courses offered around the world. Once you’ve learned the basics of Mindfulness, you can practice it anytime, anywhere.

The more present you become, the more empowered you become! How you become more mindful in your everyday life is up to you – it simply requires practice and persistence. Mindfulness helps you to live your best life.