Hi, Ladies! Have you ever wondered what mindfulness is? What do you do with it? Will it work for me? According to mindfulness.org, “it suggests that the mind is fully attending to what is happening, to what you’re doing, to the space you’re moving through.”

We often get so caught up in all of the activities that we need to do or accomplish that we often don’t take the time to slow down. We get busy and don’t listen to when our body says we are hungry or tired or needs a break. By the time we realize it, we are starving, grabbing the nearest food available without thought to its nutritional value or how it might benefit us, let alone enjoy or savor the moment.

When we bring in mindfulness- thinking about the here and now- we can encourage different choices. We can be more rational and calm in our decisions. It helps us be aware of what is happening right now.

Take a few moments to explore being mindful. Don’t judge what you notice, just pay attention.

Here are a few ways in which you can bring mindfulness into your busy life.

1. Coloring pages. When you are focused on coloring, you are choosing to pay attention to your color choices and where they are placed in the picture. The outside distractions go away. If distractions and thoughts surface, notice them, acknowledge them for what they are, but return to coloring. Here is a sample coloring sheet that you can try.
2. Prayer. Taking time to pray allows you to focus and speak to God. You are able to take time away from what you are doing.
3. Meditation. Having a time where you  just quietly sit, noticing the sights, sounds, smells, and what you are feeling in the current moment. Not thinking about the to do list or the disagreement you had with someone.
4. Mindful Walking. Notice the sounds and smells around you. Look at your surroundings and fully take in what you see. Notice the colors.
5. Just Breathe. Sit in a quiet place. Just notice your breathing. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. Notice how your chest slowly rises and falls with each breath.
6. Mindful Listening. When you are in a conversation with someone, focus on what they are saying. Listen to understand, not to have a ready response, but to truly hear what is being said for understanding.
7. Mindful Music. Find something soothing to listen to. What instruments do you hear? How does it make you feel? Are you feeling anxious or calm? Is it soft or loud?

Which of these will you choose to incorporate into your life. What time of the day will you choose to schedule it in? How much time will you indulge yourself in the act of mindfulness? Leave a comment on what you will try. I would love to hear what works for you! Until next time, be well.