What is mindfulness and how can we incorporate it into our day?
One definition of mindfulness is: "the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis" (Merriam-Webster Dictionary). This can occur through many different means throughout the day.
Mindfulness meditation is one way to start practicing being aware of what is occurring within your body. During meditation it is important to find a relaxed, comfortable seated position. The focus is on your breath and noticing how you feel in that moment. When your mind wanders to other things, such as your to do list, you simply remind yourself to focus on your breathing. There are many websites, apps, and videos available to guide you or help you practice being mindful. Meditation is not for everyone, nor is it the only way to be mindful.
Other means of being mindful can include attending yoga classes in the community or by practicing in your own home. Walking or hiking can be another way to focus on yourself and how you feel in the moment. It can also be the perfect time to practice your breathing, focus, and attention. Muscle relaxation can be useful in focusing on each part of your body and creating an awareness of how each part feels.
Engaging your five senses is another way to be mindful and aware. No matter what the setting you can visually take in your surroundings and look at each thing around you with more intention to notice the texture, color, or shape it has. You can stop and listen to the world around you, such as the song of a bird, the whir of the heater, the sound of a pet breathing. It is possible to slow down while eating and taste the food and notice whether it is bitter, sweet, or crunchy as well as the sensation it has on your tongue. We can "stop and smell the roses" paying attention to the aroma and fragrance of each one. Using our sense of touch we can hold something and focus on the weight of it, the texture, the size and the shape.
Being mindful does not have to take a lot of time, but it will take practice.
