“The key to knowing joy is being easily pleased.”
― Mark Nepo

What is all the rage with Mindfulness?!

The truth is that mindfulness is nothing new. Buddhist and yogis everywhere  have been practicing mindfulness far longer, than the “now” trendy groups, want to admit . It is not a new “thing” it is in fact an ancient practice — it just seems that we are now understanding just how very much we need it. Therapists, like myself, and wellness centers across the nation, are observing the longing for a centeredness and groundedness.

Our world is spinning at a rapid speed and so is our mind. We live in a constant galaxy of stimulus coming at us. With technology at our literal fingertips all day long, we are at a constant hyper alert to all that goes on around us. No longer do we commute and just wait to go home and turn on our television to find out what is happening in the world — it is in our face all the time, as we travel about our day. We set up alerts for everything, news, calendars, dates, emails,Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, even alerts to visit or call our parents etc… There is no more waiting to be in the know. We cannot escape it! We don’t speak to people to know what is going on in their lives — we just look at their Facebook and decide which of the icons we want to press….like, love, wow or sad, without ever really having to speak to anyone.

What?!!! Mindfulness?!!! Where?!!!

So let me slow you down for a bit.  Put your phone down, turn off the television or radio. Look around you, what do you see? What do you smell? What do you hear?

Stop holding your breath and just breathe.

As much as we enjoy and find benefits to our ability to have things quickly and immediately, we are all suffering from sensory and stimulus overload. Suffering an increase in anxiety that is causing us to say, “what is happening?” We are exhausted, anxious, and always in a rush. Overloaded calendars with little time dedicated to the self. So, there is mindfulness.

What exactly is it?

mind·ful·ness
ˈmīn(d)f(ə)lnəs/
noun
1.
the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.
“their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition”
2.
a mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique.

Many people are utilizing this tool as a means of bringing a sense of calm and order to their lives. Understanding that life cannot be stopped but that we, as individuals, can stop ourselves in order to catch our breath, regroup, find stability, and focus.

You don’t have to run out and find a mindfulness center or a therapist, but it helps to have some one guide you as to the principles, especially if you are not familiar with this method of finding ground and center.

There are simple ways to start:

*There are several Apps ( yes, I hate to say it – on your phone or iPad) such as Calm, OMG meditate, bNirvana. All guided meditation. Many are free and there are many more. Starting with just a few minutes in the morning is helpful. Please don’t think you have to twist yourself into a chanting pretzel for an hour (leg cramps, stiffness, and pain are a real thing – seriously!) Start slow. The point is to do it gradually so you enjoy it and want to return to it.

*Start your day reading a meditative devotional. One of my personal favorites, Mark Nepo’s The Book of Awakening. A wonderful daily devotional that ends with a guided meditation.

*Go to a yoga class. Many studios have a light yoga and guided meditation time. Yoga and mindfulness go hand in hand.

*If you happen to drive to work – drive in complete and utter silence. I know right!! WOW Crazy. Try it – its amazing. Silence is freaking mind blowing and mind opening.

Mindfulness works. It is a quieting of our world and mind in order to help us find deeper meaning, gratitude, peace and joy in a world that is not going to stop spinning any time soon. It will be up to us good souls to stop the external spinning by controlling the internal one.

Try it, email me – have a go at it and let me know how it goes 🙂 I am here to help!

With Love, Light and Joy ~

Maria