The Importance of Mindfulness & How You Can Practice It
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Our culture is often about “hustle and bustle.” Hurry, get things done. Rush. Run. Don’t rest.
But what if we learned mindfulness? What if we learned to be present and experience each and every little moment?
Practicing mindfulness can be difficult, especially if you are wrapped up in a fast-paced lifestyle, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s get into some tips, tricks, and easy ways to practice mindfulness throughout the day.
Engage your senses.
Mindfulness engages our senses and connects us to our surroundings. Close your eyes and listen to the sounds around you—the rustle of leaves in the wind, distant voices, or the low hum of household appliances. Feel the textures of objects around you, and notice the way light and shadow chase each other around. Become aware. Don’t just exist, experience.
Journal.
Grab a cute journal and pens, and write down things that you’re grateful for. When we write things down, we are often going to be more attentive to those things. So, by starting your morning with a list of 3 things that you’re grateful for (ex. coffee, nature, and family) you will be more aware of those things throughout your day!
Set aside “mindfulness moments.”
Jumping right into being mindful about everything might be a bit too much to start. So instead, schedule “mindfulness moments” throughout your day to get the habit started. Maybe plan to be mindful during your morning routine: smell your coffee, watch the sunrise, appreciate the birds chirping and singing outside. After you get into this habit, it will become second nature to do it all the time!
Make a cozy place to reflect.
Find a quiet, cozy spot where you can sit and reflect on the day. Have cozy blankets, candles, plants, soft music playing, and maybe a cup of tea. Relax, rest, and think about the beautiful parts of your day and how you can improve your mindfulness in the coming days.
Connect with nature.
I truly believe that nature is where we feel most alive. We are nature. Pay attention to the little details: birds singing, the breeze whispering through the trees, the clouds floating through the sky, the sunlight streaming through the leaves. There is so much beauty to be found, yet we often pass right by it. We have almost become blind to God’s amazing creation. So, I challenge you to go for a walk, and notice things. Do it intentionally.
Observe your thoughts.
Now, this one may take some practice, though journaling (as mentioned above) can help you start this process. When you think or feel something, notice it. Pay attention to it. Why are you feeling that way? Acknowledge the thought and take the necessary next step. Become self-aware and emotionally intelligent is a wonderful outcome of paying attention to what is in your mind. You can always pray about these thoughts, too.
Don’t forget that the art of mindfulness takes time to master and is a constant journey, but it is well worth it. I hope that these tips help you start your own adventure into practicing mindfulness and help you truly experience the world!
