When we really stop to think about it, all we have is the present moment. The past only exists in our memory, and the future only exists in our projection, whether that projection be “good” or “bad.” While it does help to be realistically prepared, living your life around disaster preparation may attract more chaos than it keeps at bay, depending on your energy and intent behind it. When you begin to practice mindfulness, you might find that your thoughts become quieter and that you are less likely to fall into a thought pattern of worry or regret. When the past no longer holds you and the unknown of the future no longer makes you anxious, you can rest assured that you are on the right track, even though it feels completely different from how most of us have been programmed to live our lives. Let’s explore some practical ways you can begin to live in the NOW and leave the rest to play out without feeling a need for control.
Sounds impossible, right? Is it really achievable to stop worrying and let go of the past? And why does it sound so simple but feel so weird and counter-intuitive to implement?
It feels counter-intuitive because we have all been conditioned by society, family environments, work, culture, religious programming, and so many more types of indoctrination or brainwashing that it often feels like these roles we play in the world are who we really are.
I’m here to inform you that you are more than your job, your family, and the amount of money you earn. You are way beyond your car, your house, your clothes, and your accomplishments. You are a divine being having a human experience, and getting caught up in the human rat race of it all may not be the best expression of your inner divinity. If you are feeling disconnected, lost, trapped, empty, like you’re spinning your wheels, tired to the core, soul exhausted… well, these are all indicators (your emotions are meant to guide you) that you are out of alignment in your thoughts, deeds, words, and emotions.
When you bring yourself into alignment by consciously paying attention to how you feel, your thoughts, words, and deeds will evolve to match effortlessly. It isn’t a conscious process on every level, but the key thing is to pay attention to your emotional states, especially if you are in an uncomfortable situation and find yourself triggered for whatever reason.
A Practical Approach to Mindfulness in Every Moment
No matter what you’re doing, keep your attention on it. Be with it, enjoy the experience for what it is, and stay alert and aware. Fully take in the sights, sounds, smells, sensations, and emotions of what you are experiencing. This doesn’t require any other focus from you than to stay aware of what is without judgment or emotionally-driven reaction.
If you’re interacting with others, practice active listening and comprehension of what they are saying. The easiest way I’ve found to do this is by listening to them and repeating what they say within my own mind to fully focus on them rather than thinking about what I’ll say next. If you need to, ask for a momentary pause to reflect before you respond. This is when you can focus on your response and really give it your best.
Each moment offers you an opportunity to experience life in full focus and clarity. It also offers an opportunity to choose who you want to be and behave accordingly, no matter what your circumstances or situation may be.
Make it a point to notice “little” things (the little things aren’t that little) and point them out to yourself, and others if you feel comfortable and like they might appreciate it. If they don’t at first, it doesn’t matter… affirming synchronicities and things you notice to yourself can help you to continue developing yourself on multiple levels, including the ability to validate yourself, your emotions, and your own experiences.
Yes, mindfulness can accomplish a great deal of inner healing! It strikes me sometimes just how powerful these seemingly simple tools truly are, but the results certainly speak for themselves!
When you face situations or circumstances that make you uncomfortable in some way, ask yourself why you might be feeling uncomfortable. Is it something about the situation or conversation that reminds you of a previous experience that is maybe setting off alarm bells in your mind? Or is there real danger in the situation? Discerning between an emotional trigger and an intuitive gut feeling is another aspect to be aware of that you will gain clarity on as you practice. This practicing typically happens when you are living your life, amidst all the busy-ness and action of modern life.
No matter the case, you have the opportunity to stay calm and choose your response using all of the information you have about it, which will be more than you are (or could ever be) consciously aware of. Your intuition plays a large part in how you choose to address a situation, and the more you practice mindfulness, the more you will know to trust yourself and your inner knowing without fear.
Much of this consideration happens instantaneously, like when a thought occurs to you but it takes way longer to explain than it took to give you all of the information in an instant. The human mind is an amazing system, and you can consciously choose to access some of this power in each and every moment you are alive, simply by slowing down and paying attention.
Last but not least, practice appreciation. Say thank you for everything people do for you, big or small. Smile at people and show them your inner light so that it may ripple outward. The most important habit, though, is remembering to say thank you when someone does something for you, expected or unexpected, voluntary or requested. Do you hope that they will do similar things for you in the future? If so, showing appreciation is extremely important, especially toward those who especially seem to trigger you due to a clash in personalities or opposing perspectives.
Showing appreciation for yourself is important, too, so do little things for yourself to show yourself that you care, whatever that means to you. Take the time to do something for yourself that brings you joy every day, even if it’s only for a few minutes. This will help you to recharge and inspire you to incorporate other positive habits into your day and enjoy them as self-care or an opportunity to recharge your batteries.
This will look different for everyone, but some things that work for me are yoga, meditation, hiking, singing, listening to live music, writing, creating, learning, and spending time with people I care about and have a connection with.
What are some things that bring you joy and put you in a state of peace and contentment? These are things you should make time for so that you can maintain a consistent level of joy in your life.
Each moment has so much to offer us if we simply pay attention. It’s up to you to begin this practice, and with each moment that you choose to participate, it becomes more and more effortless as you integrate that mental habit.
Thank you so much for being here, learning, and growing with us!
For more information about the Mindfulness Movement or the International Mindfulness Federation, please visit:
http://executivecoachinguniversity.com/mindfulness-movement
