Do you MIND?

We hear much about mindfulness these days, and some of us are asking, “Just what does that mean, and how can I do that?”  What “mindfulness” means is being present.  Live in the present moment!  With more and more in our world that distracts us from truly being present – smart phones in hand constantly – we find that meaningful time spent with one another is not fulfilling.  I’m sure each of us can say that we have felt ignored and alone when someone picks up their phone when you’re with them.  I see it all the time when I’m out to dinner at a restaurant, and one in a couple is one their phone, and the other is just sitting there.  Sad.  RUDE! I could go on and on with this specific topic, but I won’t right now.  I have done it, and I think we all have done it.  I say we stop.  Put phones away when you’re spending time with someone else and/or at the dinner table.

In my own life – and I am no expert, but I want to share what I’m doing, I am working on increasing awareness, being present, being still and focusing on my breath.  All this in an effort to feel less stressed, function with a clearer mind, and to feel closer to God.  It absolutely is a journey!  Positive Psychology states the benefits as being:

• Higher brain functioning
• Increased immune function
• Lowered blood pressure
• Lowered heart rate
• Increased awareness
• Increased attention and focus
• Increased clarity in thinking and perception
• Lowered anxiety levels
• Experience of being calm and internally still
• Experience of feeling connected

Who doesn’t want to feel these great benefits to mind, body and spirit??  It can be easier said than done, but DO IT!  If you haven’t tried meditation, centering prayer, breathing exercises or anything along those lines ever before, then I suggest carving out 10 minutes, ideally at the start of your day, to sit quietly and still, and to focus on your breath.  Just breathe slowly and gently.  Your mind will inevitably wander to other things, and that’s ok.  Just go back to focusing on your inhales and exhales.  Start to feel your body relax into your breath.  You may want to introduce a “mantra” – an empowering short phrase or word to come back to each time your mind wanders.  Suggestions of mantras you might use are: “I am peace” or “I am love” – something positive and powerful. Try this for 21 days, as it is said that it takes 21 days to make something a habit. Given an honest effort, I believe you will start to feel the benefits listed above.  Let me know!

Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra have been collaborating on the meditation movement the past few years.  They create 21-day meditations with a theme several times a year.  I have LOVED them! Each day starts with Oprah talking about whatever the theme may be as it has related personally to her life, then she hands it off to Deepak Chopra to speak more in-depth on the subject and how to inspire, motivate and empower these truths into your life.  Then, he guides you through about 10-15 minutes of meditation.  In all, it takes about 25 minutes.  I have been so inspired and empowered by each of their 21-day meds for 3-4 years now!  I look forward to them each time they come out.  Check them out!  Download the app for easiest access!  There are many books and other resources to start being in the now.  Eckhart Tolle is a modern-day spiritual teacher, and I LOVED his book “The Power of Now”!  It’s a wonderful resource to engage your spirit and to kick start how to increase awareness and consciousness in your life. I highly recommend.  I read it about 8 years ago and have it on my coffee table to reread.  Different seasons of life can make books resonate even more or differently than the first time you read, and this book is that kind that you will find you can go back to over and over.  This quest for being more present is an everlasting journey.  You will experience an ebb and flow – days where you’re more stressed than present, but you will know how to bring yourself back to presence.

Are you ready to MIND?  Do you MIND? 😉  Tell me what you do to be more present.  Let’s start a convo so that we can see what is working for YOU!