Mindfulness is the hot topic right now and for a good reason. Because it has been shown to have a massive range of benefits.
What if I told you, one thing could improve your physical, mental and emotional health? Well, mindfulness does all of that!
“Mindfulness can help people of any age. That’s because we become what we think.” – Goldie Hawn
It doesn’t matter if you want to practice mindfulness to help you live a more positive life or to deal better with stress, you’re likely to have lots of questions.
Here are some answers to the most common questions people have about mindfulness:
How do I do it?
The short answer is that you can practice mindfulness and meditation in a way that suits you best. Some people enjoy traditional meditation, sitting in silence on a cushion.
Other people use guided meditations on their smartphones or computers. It’s essential to integrate mindfulness into your everyday activities, taking the time to be genuinely aware of the present moment.
You can even practice mindful walking. The best way to practice mindfulness is the way that feels right to you.
How do I breathe properly?
You may feel like you should force your breath into some pattern or control it in some way, such as trying to slow it down. But that’s not necessary.
“Mindfulness means making decisions about how you are directing your attention and not letting trivial distractions like the ping of an incoming email demand your attention.” – David Brett-Williams
It’s best just to feel and experience your breath. As you find yourself beginning to relax, your breathing will naturally slow down and regulate on its own.
We can be overly self-critical, avoid judging yourself for not doing it ‘right.’ Don’t try to control or channel your breath, just keep observing and allowing. Merely let the breath breathe you.
How do I stop my mind wandering?
That is my struggle, so when you find a way, let me know! It is only natural for your mind to get distracted or to wander. Our mind thinks. That’s just what it does.
Even highly-experienced mindfulness practitioners have wandering minds! Everyone does!
“It takes a little bit of mindfulness and a little bit of attention to others to be a good listener, which helps cultivate emotional nurturing and engagement.” – Deepak Chopra
Most of us spend our days brooding over the past or worrying about the future. We don’t often stay in the present, but it is the way to inner peace and calm.
Always be kind to yourself and don’t judge your mind for falling back into familiar patterns of thinking.
Slowly bring your attention back to the present and use your breath to keep bringing your attention back to focus on the here and now.
How do I find the time for mindfulness?
This one’s easy! You don’t have to set aside a particular time to bring mindfulness into your life. In fact, you can enhance your formal meditation time by integrating mindfulness practice wherever you are.
“Mindfulness has helped me succeed in almost every dimension of my life. By stopping regularly to look inward and become aware of my mental state, I stay connected to the source of my actions and thoughts and can guide them with considerably more intention.” – Dustin Moskovitz
You can use these prompts throughout the day to return your attention to the present moment and take some deep conscious breaths:
- In the shower
- During your daily commute
- When you are waiting for an elevator, or for a meeting to start
- Before you start your car
- While you’re booting up your computer or opening your inbox
- While you’re waiting for your coffee
- Before answering the phone
Take advantage of all these ‘lost moments’ in your day to turn them into mindful moments!
