Mindfulness is defined as achieving a mental state of focusing one’s awareness on the present moment. So often in our day to day lives we are continuously bombarded by schedules so busy that they leave us emotionally, mentally, and physically depleted. This type of fatigue can really take its toll on our general well being and make it difficult to practice mindfulness.
As I was thinking of what I would like this blog to be focused on I was reflecting back on my busy week and realizing how I allowed myself to become unnecessarily stressed over things that didn’t warrant a stressful reaction. My body was physically showing me that I was not practicing mindfulness by breaking out in an allergic reaction on my skin. I felt completely depleted by the end of the week. How could I have been more present, cultivated more calm energy around me and allowed myself to be peaceful? I chose to start this week fresh by eliminating what wasn’t serving me or bringing me joy. I chose to practice mindfulness this morning by taking my new puppy for a long walk on a beautiful spring morning. This left me feeling refreshed and eager for the day ahead.
We often think of mindfulness in a meditation practice or yoga practice, but really it comes into play during all of our daily activities. For example, we can practice mindfulness while eating to promote better digestion, when driving to work, (we all know we experience road rage more often than we like to admit), when we’re at work, spending time with our families or friends, and when we’re out spending time in nature. These daily practices of checking in with our awareness can anchor and ground us, helping our souls feel more nourished each day. It will also help to calm our minds, decrease inflammation, and stress which in turn will nourish the adrenals and calm our parasympathetic nervous system.
I hope you can find more ways in your life to cultivate this mindfulness on a daily basis to live a more enriched life.