We are living in an fast-paced age where it seems like we do not have enough time for others, nor for ourselves. We are running in circles from chore to chore, living "per diem". In such a situation, it is necessary to reinforce the practice of 'Mindfulness' into our routine so as to perpetuate mental health.
I say 'reinforce', because our ancestors were hitherto reaping the benefits of Mindfulness through practices such as Yogasana, Praanayam, Yoga nidra, Meditation et cetera.
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WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?
Cambridge dictionary defines Mindfulness as “The practice of being aware of your body, mind, and feelings in the present moment, thought to create a feeling of calm.”
I say 'reinforce', because our ancestors were hitherto reaping the benefits of Mindfulness through practices such as Yogasana, Praanayam, Yoga nidra, Meditation et cetera.
.
.
WHAT IS MINDFULNESS?
Cambridge dictionary defines Mindfulness as “The practice of being aware of your body, mind, and feelings in the present moment, thought to create a feeling of calm.”
In plain terms, Mindfulness is the practice of focussing on your thoughts and on the information that you receive from all of your five senses at any given moment,
Broadly speaking, it is the experience of the 'here and now'.
For experiment purposes, monitor thoughts. Note down the number of times you thought about the future, about the past, and the number of times you were thinking of your present experience, emotions and feelings in a day.
It is highly probable you will discover that most of your thoughts pertain to the future or dwell in the past. The consequence? Losing an opportunity to appreciate the present moment!
Now do not misunderstand me. It is important to think of your past experiences to help you deal with the events in the present or future. It is equally critical to plan for the future and manage our lives accordingly. However, thinking too much about the past or the future distracts us from life as it unfolds.
Broadly speaking, it is the experience of the 'here and now'.
For experiment purposes, monitor thoughts. Note down the number of times you thought about the future, about the past, and the number of times you were thinking of your present experience, emotions and feelings in a day.
It is highly probable you will discover that most of your thoughts pertain to the future or dwell in the past. The consequence? Losing an opportunity to appreciate the present moment!
Now do not misunderstand me. It is important to think of your past experiences to help you deal with the events in the present or future. It is equally critical to plan for the future and manage our lives accordingly. However, thinking too much about the past or the future distracts us from life as it unfolds.
BUT WHY DO I NEED TO BE MINDFUL?
Because it helps YOU!
Because it helps YOU!
"Mindfulness is an incredible tool to help people understand, tolerate, and deal with their emotions in healthy ways. It helps us to alter our habitual responses by taking pause and choosing how we act. When we are mindful, we experience our life as we live it. We experience the world directly through our five senses. We taste the food we are eating. We recognize the thoughts we are having. In doing so, we learn how our minds work, and we are better able to label the thoughts and feelings we are having, instead of allowing them to overpower us and dictate our behavior." (Reference: Lisa Firestone Ph.D, Compassion Matters; psychologytoday.com)
Furthermore, increased mindfulness leads to refined interpersonal relations, improved job-performance, better physical health, and an overall appreciation of life.
Now the ball is in your court! Go live life! Carpe diem!
Following are a few links to Mindfulness Exercises that you can practice today!!
Good one. Keep writing
ReplyDeleteNicely written
ReplyDeleteThank you. Means a lot! :)
DeleteNice GBU
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DeleteHi nice article, do you practice psychotherapy..
ReplyDeleteThank you. Means a lot! :)
DeleteNo, I do not practice psychotherapy!