What is ‘becoming mindful’ to you?
Perhaps you’ve always wondered what it’s like to live in the present moment? Perhaps you’re already there. No matter who we are or what walk of life we’re from, it’s safe to say that the vast majority of us are living in our heads.
We work around with our minds on our phones or thinking about yesterday and tomorrow, but how often are you connected to what’s actually happening around you and your immediate environment?
The problem comes since we’re unable to enjoy what is going on in this moment fully. We end up missing out on what’s going on in our lives and before we know it, years have gone by, and we’re no better off than we were.
However, this isn’t a permanent thing, and you can actively take steps to becoming more mindful in your everyday life. Not sure where to begin? Here are some mindfulness techniques to get you started!
#1 – Walking Mindfully
This is one of my favourite mindfulness techniques, and when I learned about it, I had to practice it everywhere I went. We all walk around with headphones on or glued to our screens but using the act of walking to become mindful is one of the best there is.
Thich Nhat Hanh said it best. Walk as if your feet are kissing the ground. This is a beautiful quote that stuck with me everywhere I go. Pay attention to how your feet feel against the floor or the ground. Pay attention to your surroundings and the environment that you’re currently in.
#2 – Breath Mindfully
Breathing is the core focus on mindfulness, typically associated with meditation, essential for living. Our breathing is both something that can happen naturally with its own beat or something that we can control and focus on.
Any time of day, no matter where you are or what you’re doing, focus on your breathing and become aware of the present moment.
#3 – Eating Mindfully
We all eat throughout the day, so it’s only natural that this is a great time to become mindful. Consider your current eating habits. Do you sit and watch TV, play on your phone or even read? When was the last time you actually sat and ate and did just that?
Focus on your food, the taste, the smell and the textures and not only will you start to enjoy your food a lot more, but you’ll also become more mindful in the process.
#4 – Listen Mindfully
We all have conversations throughout the day, whether it’s with friends, family, colleagues or complete strangers. But how often do you actually listen to what the other person is saying and how often does your mind wander off onto other trains of thought?
When you’re having a conversation with somebody, give them 100% of your full attention, and you’ll be amazed at the connections you can make with others and how much more you get from human interactions.
#5 – Meditate Daily
I believe this one goes without saying, but it’s just as, if not more, essential than all the rest of the points on this list. While you can effectively meditate on a single breath, practising every day is far more beneficial to your well-being.
This is because you can practice and improve your skill over time. Despite the brain being an organ, it grows and can strength, just like a muscle. Like you would exercise your body, think of meditation as an exercise for your brain and overall well-being.
#6 – Sense Mindfully
We all have five senses; sight, taste, touch, hearing and smell. Whenever you feel your mind slipping away into the depths of anything other than the present moment, use your senses to bring you back. Pay attention to the energy that your senses receive and allow them to be your anchor.
#7 – Make a Change
Have you ever been driving anywhere, reached your destination and then realised that you couldn’t remember anything from the journey you’ve just taken? It’s as though your mind went into autopilot.
This happens all the time to our brains, especially when we’re carrying out the same old routines. Instead, why not mix things up by changing your routine. Maybe try carrying out a task in a different way or taking a different route to work. This can invoke focus in your mind and help you stay in the present moment.
