Ever had one of those days when you’re scattered, unable to accomplish anything, irritable, and upset with yourself? Compare that to those times when you’re unflappable, running a steady course in self-confidence, and filled with compassion for all things and people. The difference might be your ability to be mindful.
Mindfulness is said to be a state of active, open attention on the present. When you’re mindful, you see your thoughts and feelings from a distance. Mindfulness means living in the moment and not letting life pass you by. In order to be fully mindful, you need to avoid labeling the way you’re thinking and feeling as good or bad, and instead just observe without judgment.
When you are mindful, you are living in the now, you are awake to what is happening around and through you. When you are mindful, you are unable to spend time and energy and angst on rehashing the past or worrying about the future.
Being mindful helps our brains and our bodies. Residing in positive emotions reduces stress and allows for more creativity. Mindfulness is void of negative emotions and aids in tuning out distractions. It fosters compassion and grace.
Mindfulness helps you be calmer and more relaxed to be around. It helps others stay calm and open. People want to be next to you when you’re mindful … because you’re present and not off in some la-la land. Meditating or spending time alone, especially in nature, fosters greater mindfulness.
Where is your focus? Are you living in the now or are you wasting time thinking about something that happened in the past or are you worrying about something up ahead? Are you mindful of all that is happening in the present? Are your thoughts without judgment? Are you open … to yourself and others?
Being mindful can help us grow emotionally and spiritually as we age.
Be kind and practice mindfulness.
Your self will love you for it.