According to the GreaterGood, mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. That sounds reassuring, delightful, and relaxing. Being in tune with yourself and your surrounding environment can have an amazing effect on the way you then react to situations.
Taking the time to reflect on the day can help you improve your mindfulness each day. And learning to trust your gut or intuition will also help you achieve that alignment. Besides feeling that balance and shift, there are many benefits to mindfulness. You are forced to slow down, appreciate, and listen to yourself rather than just going through motions or getting too overwhelmed. Matt Valentine wrote out 10 tips for beginners on Buddhaimonia, and I think these are great tips to consider (whether you’re a beginner or just need a reminder):
- Focus on developing concentration
- Pick simple objects
- Sit often
- Go easy on yourself
- Prioritize mindfulness
- Slow it down
- Be patient
- Let go
- Have fun
- Don’t accept the excuses you give yourself as to why mindfulness isn’t for you. If you can’t sit still, you need mindfulness the most.
Even with this list, don’t expect to be a master right away. This takes practice and creating new habits to replace old habits. We are in a very fast paced, instant gratification society. Breaking out of that mold takes some time. And if you regress at times, don’t punish yourself. As long as you are trying, and consistently making an effort to better yourself and increase your mindfulness, then celebrate each milestone – celebrate that first step! Give this a try and see what changes present themselves. Awareness can awaken some amazing aspects you may not have known were waiting to be released.
If you have any of your own tips or would like to share a story of your own, please comment below. I’d love to hear from you! Be sure to contact me with any questions or if you’d like to work with me.
