3 THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT MINDFULNESS

Mindfulness is the act of bringing attention to our present moment experience. We can access this mindful state by observing our thoughts, emotions, and body sensations as they happen. Studies show practicing this awareness can lead to a variety of benefits.

I often hear about the challenges in bringing this practice into daily life. Some people say they don’t have enough time, and others may have had negative experiences with exercises and now doubt if it’s even helpful.

I believe mindfulness should be flexible and meet people where they are at.

Here are the top 3 things I want everyone to know about this practice.

#1: The benefits

Mindfulness can help you reduce anxiety and depression, better manage emotions, improve sleep, improve relationships, and even reduce racial bias.

#2: mindfulness is for everyone!

You can tailor your practice to meet your unique needs. Do you prefer to guide yourself or to be guided? Would you like the guide to have a high or low voice? Do you enjoy focusing on your breath? Would you rather sit still or be moving? Explore several different exercises to get a better sense of what feels best to you.

#3: abundant opportunities for practice

You can bring mindful awareness to any part of your day. For example, you can focus your attention on all the sounds you hear while out walking. Or when washing dishes you can notice the sensation of water on your hands. In the absence of reserved quiet time you still have many opportunities to engage mindfully through your day.

If you want to bring more mindfulness into your life try this brief exercise. 

Wishing you well,

Riley