In a world where speed and urgency are a part of every day life it’s essential that we find ways to practice slowing down. It’s where the practice of mindfulness really helps guide your life in a positive and enriching way.
The word mindfulness is a new buzz word thrown around but still largely not understood…or practiced. The Wikipedia definition is :
1. the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
“their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition”
2. 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.
Think about ways you can incorporate mindfulness in your life. In the mornings, for example, Chuck and I make pour-over coffee. This practice forces us to be present when the coffee is being made.
Emotions, especially high-charged emotions like anger and hostility are the farthest from mindfulness…especially when we lash out in it. A way to be mindful when we feel anger creeping in or suddenly overtaking us is to pause and take a breath, then another breath. The pause and breaths are essentially being mindful.
Pause before reacting.
Pause and observe.
Think before you react.
Those are all mindfulness practices.