Being Mindful by Practicing Mindfulness

As said by Jon Kabat-Zinn, ‘Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.’

In simple words, mindfulness is being present, being active, being curious, and being compassionate. It awakens your soul to unravel your thoughts, sensations, and feelings. Starting your day with a purpose is the first step towards mindfulness.

Ever thought about how often you rush out the door without realizing how you want to do it?

Or ever reacted to something in a way that it was never intended to?

Mindful life will help in giving answers to all such questions.

Leading a mindful life will make you aware of who you are and what you are doing. Also, it will help in relieving you from the stress, tension, frustration that comes along with life.

Here are some simple practices in our daily routines that can help in attaining mindfulness.

1. Follow your breath

Close your eyes and think about mindfulness. What is the first thing that comes to your mind? I can bet 90% of people get the image of a person meditating.

But is mindfulness synonymous with meditation? Not really! There’s a lot more to it. Where does mindfulness start? It is with your breath.

Yes! Sit down, relax, and listen to the sound of your breath. It is the first step towards understanding your existence.

2. One thing at a time!

Focus resonates with mindfulness. Doing multiple tasks at the same time would lead to a loss of focus. So for a healthy mind and soul, one should always practice the ‘One thing at a time’ formula. It might end up taking more time in the completion of tasks but helps in the reduction of errors.

3. Eat for your soul, not your tummy.

Why do we eat food?

Is it to satisfy the hunger pangs?

Or to satisfy our taste buds?

But did you ever think about what that food is doing to your body?

Mindful eating will help you understand the actual taste and essence of food. Now, how can you eat mindfully? Switching off that computer or television screen or keeping away your mobile phone at the dining table are the first steps towards mindful eating.

4. Stretch to become aware.

Understanding your body sensations is another step towards mindfulness. Be it going for a walk, or doing a rigorous exercise, or even doing peaceful yoga can indulge you in mindfulness. These sessions are not only helpful for physical fitness but also aids in understanding your body movements and sensations.

5. Stop and analyze

Stop for a moment and ask yourself what are you doing? Why are you doing this? What goes back in your mind when you are doing this? Ponder upon your thoughts for a moment. It is rightly explained by Rumi when he said, ‘Look past your thoughts, so you may drink the pure nectar of This Moment.’ Does it make sense now? So, one must stop and analyze one’s thoughts.

Have you tried any of these tips? Did it enlighten you about the process of mindfulness? What other tips do you follow to achieve mindfulness?