Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be as simple as closing one’s eyes and focusing on something like breathing. It can be as complex as rituals, poses, smells, sounds, and more. It is what works for you.
It is about “being there”. In the present without distraction. We probably had you until the “without distraction”, didn’t we?
Distraction is perhaps the defining characteristic of our modern Lifestyle. You are likely thinking of other things you need to do while reading this article. Deadlines are looming. Commitments are in danger. Stress levels are rising. Mindfulness has become a “go to” coping mechanism to deal with modern Life.
Do you have a mindfulness practice to help you recenter? Meditate on it.
Think About Mindfulness More Broadly
I Don't Know How
It's OK. Mindfulness is not like many other parts of your wellbeing. It's fairly new to most in the West. We do not have much experience with it but that is changing. Be a pioneer and open your mind!
That's For Old People & Hippies
For some reason mindfulness practices conjure images of senior citizens or young hippies. It is much larger, entirely inclusive and more beneficial than many of us know.
Yes, Praying Counts
Prayer is perhaps the practice we most associate with mindfulness. In prayer we focus on our beliefs. We acknowledge blessings and offer our concerns with something larger than ourselves.
Mindfulness Thought For Your Wellbeing
“What day is it?” asked Pooh.
“It’s today,” squeaked Piglet.
“My favorite day,” said Pooh.”
-Winnie-the-Pooh (A. A. Milne).
For the Perry Family here at HealthCare Too there is no greater example of “here and now” than Pooh. Living in the present and enjoying each day for what it brings, Pooh might teach us all something.
HealthCare Too Articles on Mindfulness
There are so many benefits from mindfulness! HealthCare Too has put together articles to help you explore the benefits of slumber and ways to achieve them. Enjoy these articles with our blessing!
The Mindfulness Movement– How You Can Learn More
How To Protect Your Wellbeing From Coronavirus
Can Brewed Tea Promote Mindfulness? Gong Fu Cha Can
How To Join Aerobic With Mindfulness — Mindful Running
How To Fight Depression & Negative Thoughts
Why Introducing Mindfulness Can Improve Your Health
Setting Goals For Mindfulness
A common framework for goal setting is the SMART goal. Each letter in the acronym represents a component of a good goal.
Specific: A goal should help you focus on something specific. Instead of setting a goal for “be more mindful” you can break it down into components. This is an opportunity to focus on being in the moment for yourself and others. Look at your total wellbeing and pick something specific that would make you happy. Perhaps a goal to focus on breathing in a quiet place everyday.
Measurable: Once you have a specific goal you can establish a way to measure it. The measure should be easy to use; otherwise, you won’t use it. Following the earlier goal to focus on breathing just set a timer. Start with 2 or 3 minutes and add more as you progress.
Achievable: New Year’s Resolutions are notoriously difficult to keep. One of the top reasons is that they are so distant that we give up. Make your goals achievable so that they stretch you but not break you. If you are just starting to jog, don’t pick “learn transcendental meditation” as your first goal. Start with a few minutes of focused breathing. You can always add more… and without disappointment.
Relevant: Your mindfulness goals should be relevant to everything else in your wellbeing. It makes no sense to sacrifice your overall wellbeing for an mindfulness goal. You are a total person and your goals should support you… Mind, Body, and Spirit.
Timely: Put a time frame around your goals to which you can commit daily. A goal that is months or years into the future is more like a wish. Set your exercise goals for something you will do daily or at least weekly. In the focused breathing example, setting aside quiet time once per day for a few minutes is very measurable.
Additional Resources
In addition to our articles you may find these resources useful: