Mindfulness
“Mindfulness is not just an emotion or train of thought, it’s a way of life.”
In the world we live in today, leading a mindful life can seem challenging. With all the outside distractions that are present, all that may be happening in the outside world. It can make it easy for one to become swept up within all the chaos that is happening outside of you, one that steers you away from who you are within.
Yet, unless you learn to tune out that outside noise, then you will continue to live in this endless pattern of doubt, worry, uncertainty, and anxiety. You will pull away from truly accepting the things that are beyond your control, and living presently.
“Mindfulness is a way of befriending ourselves and our experiences. ”
When you are mindful, you are choosing to focus on the now. You are completely connected to the body, mind, soul and spirit in a way that brings forth peace.
Throughout your life, many of the outside influences you've encountered (or still do) may have taught and trained you to believe that the concept of being your own person, of living your own life, isn't really possible. That in order to succeed in life, you must conform. You must succumb to the chaos, to the high pace of things that are moving around you and simply live in that manner.
That in order to find “true happiness,” in life, you are required to lead a life similar to how many others may. It’s what they believe, what they’ve always believed, so it's pushed upon you and it then becomes your burden to carry.
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When in reality, that perception is false. It’s an obscured image that has been forced upon many from the beginning of time. Yes, you want to live a life of comfort, with stability, security, and certainty. But how you should go about doing so, is opposite of what you may have been taught to believe.
“There’s this great big world out there waiting for your embrace. Allow yourself to venture into the unknown and have those experiences. Let yourself see the world for all it truly is. And go live that life.”
Choosing to live life mindfully, is an approach that allows you to embrace who you are, to befriend that inner spark that makes you, you without allowing the static to disconnect you and gives you an opportunity to step into a world within.
Choosing to live mindfully, is choosing to be present with all that you are.
Here are Seven ways you can start living more mindfully, today.
Disconnect from the outside world: Give yourself time to really sit and just be with you. When we are constantly surrounded by other people, our perception of self can be swayed. Our intentions, desires and hopes can be obscured. So, when you choose to disconnect from the outside world, even temporarily, you then give yourself a chance to lead with purpose.
Allow your senses to flourish: Get outside. Have you ever hear d the term, we are one? Well, in order to feel that connectedness with self and the world around you, you must step outside and allow yourself to truly be in nature. Go for a walk, take an outdoor yoga class, go visit a landmark that has views that words cannot do it justice. Just get outside, and really allow yourself to connect with it.
Listen: When you spend time in nature, or with yourself, when the noises are silenced and your vices are put on hold, you allow yourself to connect. To focus, and to re align. Let your soul speak to you in a way that you may not have before. Try a meditation, follow your instinct, do something that is outside of your comfort zone and just be still.
Gratitude: Show more appreciation for the little things in life, and verbalize it. Stop wandering aimlessly through it all & actually give yourself an ability to stop and smell the roses. Let yourself breathe it all in as it is happening. There are so many things to appreciate, if only you give yourself an opportunity to.
Be present: Put down your phone, your iPad, or whatever other distractions you may have that are pulling you from truly being present in the moment right now. Disconnect for a while and give yourself a chance to really be in the moment you have right now. Open your eyes to all that surrounds you and allow yourself to see what’s right in front of you.
Meditate: Meditation is always a way to lead a mindful life. Not only does it help you reconnect with your inner being, it quiets the mind, and opens your senses bringing back an essence of connection with self.
“To a Mind that is still the whole universe surrenders.”
Direct Your Attention: Shift your attention to what matters most. Allow yourself to truly see, analyze, and be aware of what you are doing when you are doing it. Don’t let your mind continue to jump from one task to another, really give yourself a moment to simply direct your attention to what matters most. Perception is everything, and how you perceive things in life will ultimately steer you away from, or guide you to precisely where you wish to be.
“Mindfulness is a journey that can open doors to new horizons. “
Living mindfully allows you the ability to be present in the moment you are being given right now. It gives you a chance to renew and truly lead a more positive, uplifting life. So what are you waiting for?
As you live, you learn. As you grow, you can either take what was learned as an opportunity for positive change, or allow it to diminish. That choice is always yours. The possibilities are endless. Choose to be kind, choose to grow.
“Follow your dreams, listen to your heart. And always believe in your self. “