Mindfulness: The First Steps

What is mindfulness and how can it benefit you? What are the first steps to mindful living?

Mindfulness is the secret and sacred key to reducing stress, anxiety, depression, and many other inner-struggles of our lives. So what is mindfulness, and what are some steps you can start to take take to begin living a mindful life?

Below I will help you to better understand what mindfulness is while providing 3 practices to begin your mindful journey.

What is mindfulness?

The textbook definition of mindfulness is described as:

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.

Put simply, mindfulness can be described as an awareness of being - a conscious observation of self.

How can mindfulness help?

Mindfulness at its core is awareness, and beyond that the ability to be fully present and participating in the here and now. Ask yourself the following questions - If the below patterns appear commonly in your life, you may benefit from mindfulness practices:

• How often do you worry or stress about the future? Thinking of things that might happen, or imagining possible scenarios?

• How often do you dwell on the past? Feeling unpleasant emotions toward yourself or someone else for something that happened?

• How often do you enjoy the present moment without a need for distraction or preoccupation?

Mindful practices can reduce and even eliminate anxieties, negative thoughts, and emotions stemming from any of these thought patterns - while allowing you to live in and enjoy the infinite present moment.

"Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have." – Eckhart Tolle

3 Tips for Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a life-long journey, it is a way of living that provides a lasting peace and happiness. When we make it part of who we are, not only something we do - true joy can be experienced nearly every moment of every day, while also making life challenges easier to endure and overcome.

1. Begin a meditative practice: Start with as little as 5 minutes a day, the path to mastering your mind begins with learning how to consciously reduce your "inner chatter." Believe it or not, the ability to decide when you want to think is a skill, one that can be learned and developed.

2. Practice gratitude: This can be through a journal, prayer, self-reflection, or during meditation sessions - whatever most resonates with your lifestyle. The important piece here is to identify and highlight those things you are truly grateful for in your current state of being.

3. Slow down: Regardless of your schedule, make time to stop what you are doing and be present - bringing awareness to your breathing can help. This can also mean setting down, silencing, or even turning off distracting devices or electronics for a brief period of time.

Start simple, simply start.

If you have read to this point you likely desire to see meaningful and positive changes in your life or in the life of someone you love. These small steps taken towards mindful living will help you discover peace within and without through your own daily experiences.