You go in and out of your daily life, following the same routines in a physical aspect. But, where are you mentally? Bringing awareness to the present moment and experiencing life is what many refer to as mindfulness. Throughout our daily lives, we simply forget to live in the moment and can be removed mentally from the ins and outs of each day. There are many ways you can practice being mindful in everything you do. By practicing this mindfulness, you are going to allow yourself to acknowledge the events of your days.
Self Care
What do you do when you get out of bed and follow that chain of events throughout the day. Do you ever acknowledge what you are actually doing? When you brush your teeth, are you thinking about the act of brushing your teeth, the smells, the benefits of it? You’re probably thinking more about what you have to do for the day. Try to complete each routine task and become aware of what you are doing.
Pay Attention to the Processes in Your Life
Once you create that mindfulness in your daily living tasks, focus on other areas. For example, learn how to eat again. Sounds strange, doesn’t it? Humans are constantly on-the-go. We eat as a way of energizing our body. But, are we being aware of what we eat and the way in which we eat? Slow down and enjoy each bite. Take time to understand what is going in your body and how it’s making you feel. Being more mindful of your eating habits could lead to a healthier lifestyle.
Commuting
Whether you drive, take public transportation, or walk, learn how to acknowledge how you feel when you commute. If you’re in your car, don’t drive faster than you should. In the long run, it’s probably going to save you 3-4 minutes. If you take public transportation, don’t look around with a judgmental attitude. Understand that everyone has a story to tell, including you.
Just Chill
Another way to practice mindfulness in everything you do is to chill. That’s right, chill. Today’s society is extremely fast: fast food, Wifi, success. We want everything now. Take your time to think about things. Instead of constantly looking for success and thinking, what’s next?’, think about how you got to where you are. What obstacles did you have to overcome? You may be surprised when looking back at how you’ve managed to live the life you’re living.
Patience
In any part of our lives, we are going to have to wait. Whether we are getting food, commuting, or working, there is going to be a wait. Take that time to practice being mindful. Put down your phone and allow the mind to take in everything around you. Use your senses to understand that current moment. Instead of getting angry over a ten-minute wait, utilize it to better your body and mind.
Taking into consideration at least one of these ways to practice mindfulness will help you to be more present. It may seem overwhelming to do all of these at once; however, starting with one couldn’t hurt. Take your time but understand that this process is all about you and your awareness. Cultivate a love and understanding in your mind that others will want to emulate.