Cultivating mindfulness

In each second of each moment until the seconds feel like minutes. When you recognize each moment and smile into each moment, no matter how horrifying terrifying or nauseating, each moment becomes a gift. That gift is entirely your own. Your eyes, your heart, you mind, and your intuition combine into a perspective that is uniquely your own- a reality that you create from the story that you perceive. The  more I think about trying to be mindful, the more mindful I am, and the more my brain is trained to be mindful. When I am mindful of the moment I create enough quiet space to be more equipped to observe and reflect. If you willingly and intentionally practice mindfulness, it will grow as much as you feed it. Mindfulness begins in the breath. Doing small practices of mindfulness can help increase your awareness. Here are some simple tricks that help me be more mindful in my daily life.

• At the end of the day, close your eyes and say out-loud “I am grateful for_______________________”. Share that with someone you care about.
• When you are breathing, think about breathing.  Think about the rise and fall of your breaths. Think about the ebb and flow of the paired inhale and exhale. When you are ready to, add in counting and various breathing techniques.
• If you are brushing your teeth, think only about brushing your teeth. Don’t think about what they look like, or how they compare to someone else’s. Think about the motions and movements of brushing your teeth. Think about doing that task to the best of your ability.
• If you are putting on your shoes, think only about putting on your shoes. Not how they look, just carefully positioning your body and each movement that is required to put on the shoes.
• Tell someone, one person a day, an affirmation or appreciation.
• Talk slower. Take time and think before you speak.
• Listen to the words as they leave your lips and tongue.
• Analyze your role. Take time to think before you speak.
• Actively listen to your favorite music.
• Respond instead of reacting.
• Slow down.