What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is all about being present, It’s about paying attention to your surroundings, what’s happening, and what you are hearing, tasting, touching, smelling and seeing. It helps us to remain in the present moment and forget the worries of the future or the shadows of the past.
The official definition of mindfulness is a “mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.”
So what can you do to become more mindful?
01 - Body Scan - Slowly bring your attention through your body. Start at your toes, feel them fill with warmth or relaxation and work your way all the way up to the top of your head.
02 - Mindful Moving - Go for a walk in nature. Notice how the breeze brushes your cheek, or how the leaves crunch underfoot. Take time to just be.
03 - Mindful Eating - Take an interest in your food. Notice the individual tastes and the textures. How does your food appeal to your eyes? Slow down and enjoy every mouthful.
04 - Mindful Art - Focus on some mindful colouring, drawing or try writing your thoughts out into something artsy like a poem. Notice the words, colours and shapes you use.
05 - Mindful Meditation - Sit quietly and focus on your breathing. Deep breaths in and out. Notice any thoughts that come along, then let them go, coming back to your breath.