Mindfullness Practices
In the hustle and bustle of an endless list of tasks and to-do's, how do we make that time to slow down and really take in the experiences around us? Welcome to life, or better, welcome to chaos.
In the litany of life, the pressures to perform and hit metrics can be daunting. So much so, that we miss the beauty of what’s happening all around us, everyday, every moment.
Welcome to mindfulness.
Certainly you’ve heard the word spoken in the form of a practice or even rolled your eyes in vexation of it being yet another task to perform. Never fear, there’s a new way to tap back into your own peace and create a life that is deeply meaningful while also juggling a hectic schedule.
Mindfulness has its origins in ancient Buddhist meditation practices. Considered to be the founder is Jon Kabat-Zinn, credited for founding the Stress Reduction Clinic at the University of Massachusetts Medical School in the 1970's. Since then, the practice has grown to assist millions of people with depression, anxiety, sleep problems and chronic pain
What is it?
Mindfulness is acceptance of the way things are in the moment and paying close attention to our thoughts without either judging them or even believing them. If there’s a “right” or “wrong” way to think or feel in a given moment, then we’re in evaluation mode and the brain tends to be very convicting and judgmental to our behaviors.
When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future. We essentially, feel calm.
Who is it for?
This is not a religion, however it will connect you to your inner self and what others like to refer to as a Higher Power or a divine connection.
Anyone can learn, and enjoy the practice regardless of your walk of life, age or ethnicity with benefits such as:
Wisdom. See situations more clearly
Recognize, slow down and even stop automatic and habitual reactions.
Respond more effectively to complex or difficult situations.
Enjoy being more creative
Achieve balance and resilience in all your environments
How to practice:
Kabat-Zinn identify the practice with these steps:
Pay close attention to your breathing, especially when you’re feeling intense emotions.
Notice, really notice, what you’re sensing in a given moment, the sights, sounds, and smells that ordinarily slip by without reaching your conscious awareness.
Recognize that your thoughts and emotions are fleeting and do not define you, an insight that can free you from negative thought patterns.
Tune into your body’s physical sensations, from the water hitting your skin in the shower to the way your body rests in your office chair.
In a short 10 minute daily practice it’s been said that your body will fight off illness due to increased immune system functioning.
You’re mind will increase in positive emotions and reduce negative ones and stress, helping fight off depression.
Increase in empathy and emotional intelligence in our daily interactions with others.
You’ll focus better, tune out the frustration of distractions and noise around you, improving your memory and attention skills.
You’re move likely to help someone in need by understanding the suffering of others and regulating the emotions that use to drive behaviors, boosting self-compassion.
Relationships will improve through feelings of being present, optimistic and relaxed allowing couples to feel closer and safer together.
Parenting improves as you develop patience and tolerance for a young human in growth.
Many have even said that they lose weight due to “mindful eating” encourages healthier eating habits by slowing down and savoring the food you consume.
I’ve helped hundreds of people just like you learn how to slow down, create a blueprint of self-care and eliminate the barriers that hold them back from creating the peace and serenity they crave.
To your wonderful health
Copywriting for content Blog
Category: MEDICAL
CLIENT: Noel McDermott
TITLE: Mindfullness Practices
DATE: January 19, 2017
