Mindfulness - Mindlessness

Have you ever walked into a room to get something but then-- completely forgot what you wanted to get?

Or, missed your exit while driving?

Misplaced your wallet or keys?

Well, don't worry! It happens to people all the time, you are not alone. 

These are really common examples of mindlessness; when you're not being mindful of your current situation and you wind up missing out on the moment.

The topic today, mindfulness, is the opposite of mindlessness. Now, when we say "mindlessness," we mean spacey, or not present in the moment. It isn't just about daydreaming, it's about a lack of focus or attention.

Mindfulness helps you fully engage and participate in your life. It's like having a really well-trained, non-judgemental attention.  

When we say "non-judgemental attention," we mean that you're paying attention to the moment without being hindered by saying (or thinking) whether it is good or bad, sad or happy, you just experience it and observe. 

If you need a little more on the topic to deepen your understanding, you can try some of these videos: 

The next step on your mindfulness journey is to start practicing! 

• Find ways to introduce it into your daily life

It's pretty simple, just spend a couple moments focused on your breathing and sensations in your body--this might be difficult at first if you're experiencing pain, worry, or other uncomfortable things, but try to just observe, you can note, 

"Oh, I'm worried this morning--and that's ok" then continue your breath.

• Mindful walking can also help you focus the mind and soak in your surroundings

• Meal or snack time might be a good place to be mindful, try to slow down and savor all the smells, tastes, and textures of your food. 

Here are a few resources with exercise that might help: 

Do you want to try a mindfulness exercise right now? 

Ok, get ready!

So, have you ever had thoughts that feel like they're on a runaway train?

Like, you're thinking about one thing, but then all of a sudden you realize you missed your bus stop, and you're in a strange part of town, 

also, your phone has died, and it's getting dark, and then... you hear wolves?

Ever had that happen?

Oh, just some of it? That's ok, we're all different. 

Whew, glad it's not just me!

Would you like to try out some mindfulness breathing with me? 

It's a helpful way to manage your mood and stop runaway thinking. 

This has calming music to help out if you would like:

Ok great! When setting up a mindfulness meditation, getting your body ready is super important because part of mindfulness is being present, you don't want to fall asleep or be distracted and uncomfortable

You can sit in a chair or lie down on the floor, or bed, whichever you prefer!

Make sure your back is straight, your body is evenly supported

We often think about the first image here as the only meditation pose, but that's not true, any of these can be very good for meditation, the goal is to be comfortable, and have feelings of being grounded

Sitting on a chair may be most comfortable for beginners, as many of us are the most used to this kind of seated position, but choose one of these 4 to try today.

You are welcome to close your eyes or leave them open and 'soften' your gaze. If you are new to mindfulness meditation practice it may be helpful to close your eyes to begin with

You may be wondering, "how can I read these instructions if my eyes are closed, or my eyes are glazed?" 

               Which... is an excellent point! 

Read the instructions all the way through, and then use the images to help guide the points of the meditation, ok? 

Meditation starts at the 4 positions picture.

• First, bring your attention to your breath

There is no need to change the pace of your breath, simply observe it.

• Notice the breath as it enters and exits your body, the sensations of cooler air as it enters your nostrils or mouth

• Notice your lungs expanding and filling and then shrinking as the air leaves your body

• As you exhale, notice the same process as air passes up your throat and out you nose or mouth

Continue and see if you can notice even smaller steps of the breath process

• Repeat this for as many breaths as you like. Aiming for 10 in the beginning is really great!

If you want something to focus on, you can watch this while you breathe and notice sensations:

Great work today!

Now this tool is in your brain toolbox and you know what to do to work on this mindfulness skill. Come back any time. 

If you find this is helpful, I hope you will consider donating to help support new posts coming out, thank you!