MINDFULNESS

Flustered?

Easily triggered?

Thoughts racing?

One thing after another?

Not aware of your actions?

Being mindful can help.

Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. It is a form of meditation by being aware of your senses, emotions and energy in the moment, without judgement with: 

• yourself 
• others 
• circumstances 

Simply put, mindfulness is a tool to “ground yourself, where you focus back to your here and your now.”

By being mindful, you: 

• feel more confident 
• build stronger relationships
• allow new and different ideas
• increase in sense of well-being
• communicate more effectively
• become calm and clear headed
• increase awareness and empathy for self and others
• catch triggers and negativity, shift and re-frame quicker
• prioritize what is important reducing stress and anxiety

Meditation is generally practiced while seated. However, you can practice mindfulness when sitting, walking, working or during any activity throughout your day:

• wake up in the morning
• your day to day activities (eating, walking, working, etc.)
• going back to bed in the evening

You may practice mindfulness by breathing, bringing awareness of your body and mind, visualizations by incorporating your five senses in your daily activities:

1. Sight - focus objects closest and furthest away from you 
2. Sound - hear loudest or faintest sound
3. Smell - scent around you
4. Taste - chew and saviour your food
5. Touch - rubbing fingertips together

When you're mindful, you're 

• aware of the current situation
• acknowledge your thoughts, emotions or actions
• catch yourself
• shift

The goal of mindfulness is to understand your triggers, whether it be a feeling, sensation, or emotion, and to catch it, allowing you to respond in a positive manner. And, in some cases, not respond as it may not be necessary. 

This takes time, there will be set backs, and each situation is a learning opportunity. 

For me, I've been on my mindfulness journey for the past three years. Understanding myself, upbringing from childhood to adulthood and the impact that had on me. 

Visualizing past and upcoming events with my immigrant parents, preparing myself, noticing my triggers whether it be a sensation from my heart, catching it and supporting myself on how to respond mindfully where I'm not adding fuel to the flame, further upsetting me and everyone around me. 

That took time. 

Through consistent repetition, saying no, speaking up, I reinforce my values and respecting my boundaries. 

The more I do it, the easier it becomes. The hard part is taking that first step.