Mindfulness… What pops into your mind when you think of that “term?”

When I think about mindfulness, what comes to mind is the vision of how a child experiences life. Children have a beginner’s mind.

• They don’t have a past to hold them back, nor do they understand the concept of the future.
• Time is irrelevant to them.
• Their minds aren’t yet filled with facts and data, or the influences of others.
• What seems to be of primary interest to them is to learn, discover, explore and experience.
• They are students of life.

Mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist philosophy however it is not a religion. To be mindful is simply to be consciously and purposefully connected with ourselves in the Now. It is to pay attention to our thoughts, feelings and behaviors, without attachment or judgment. This means, finding the place of accepting what is and includes not beating ourselves up or punishing ourselves for what we may sometimes witness. Through mindfulness, we can create a better understanding of who we are and can make sense of the world around us.

Here’s a quick exercise for you to begin practicing mindfulness:

This activity requires stepping more into the experience of things you do every day. Activities like brushing your teeth, emptying the dishwasher or taking a shower.

Our repetitive tasks are prime times for us to zone out and miss out on the present moment. As you find yourself in a mundane task, create awareness of each sensation so you can fully experience the moment. For example, as you brush your teeth, notice the flavor of the toothpaste, the sensation of the toothbrush, notice your breathing, how you are standing and what you are thinking about. Marinate in each moment and enjoy all the benefits that come when being present in the moment.

Comment on this question:

How can mindfulness change your day… change your life?

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