What it Means to Be Mindful in the Moment

Being mindful means being present and aware in the moment, viewing the world from an objective perspective that allows for enjoyment of the here and now. Most people get caught up in the chaos of their lives, going through the motions on autopilot without taking the time to “stop and smell the roses.” Mindfulness is breaking the cycle of everyday dissociation and distance, enabling people to feel and experience activities and events that would otherwise pass them by.

Mindfulness is rooted in contemplative practices, having been adapted from Buddhist traditions. It’s broken down into multiple sectors, like awareness, attentiveness, and acceptance, encouraging individuals to engage in present thoughts, feelings, and experiences, regardless of how positive or negative those things may be.

Enhancing Relationships and Improving Mental Health

Choosing to be mindful can have significant impacts on personal relationships and mental health. When you are more attentive and aware, others can feel your mindfulness. They notice that you communicate better or more effectively, your responses may be more thoughtful, and you strive harder to avoid conflict through constructive discussions. Through mindfulness, you can build empathy and compassion to cultivate deeper connections with the people you care about.

As for mental health, practicing mindfulness decreases anxiety and depression, allowing you to focus and the “why” and “how” of the present instead of the pain and trauma of the past. It promotes a balanced perspective to reduce your body’s reactive response to stress, lending you a greater sense of calm and a more peaceful mind.

Mindfulness at Home and Work

Being mindful can be practiced anywhere, but home and work are the two most prevalent places where people tend to be. At home, you can use chores and routine activities to practice mindfulness. Focus on what you are doing. Keep your hands busy with washing dishes or cleaning, and allow your mind to wander, but be objective to the thoughts that flow through your head. During moments of rest, relax and take note of your breathing or present sensations throughout your body. Allow yourself to feel the moment without interjection from your mind.

At work, you can practice mindfulness with focus. Concentrate and listen to what coworkers have to say, then think thoroughly about a proper, constructive response in reply to questions during meetings or conversations. In your downtime, like on a lunch break, sit outside if possible. Breathe deeply, stretch, and free your mind of negativities. Reset your focus before you venture back to your office, desk, or work floor.

Learn more about mindfulness techniques by contacting Mel Doerr today!