Experiencing mindfulness is all about right the now at this very moment, being aware of just being. There’s no need to go into a deep trance or go to a hot yoga studio, as mindfulness can be performed as you walk, work, whatever you’re currently doing.
Some describe mindfulness as the basic awareness of human ability, to be fully present of where you are and what you’re doing, regardless of what that may be.
It does not require going into some mystical trance or joining a cult religion, as anyone who is willing can practice it.
It’s more actually a way of being, in where we experience clear concise awareness of thinking at this moment, the current moment to the very next moment.
These thoughts and experiences of the present, in a way that’s accepting, receptive, and never judgmental.
To Harness The Mind
The mind of most humans tend to wander, as jumping to conclusions is the only mental exercise some people take.
Some have attention deficits, bouncing from one distraction to another in rapid fashion, usually within seconds.
Living our life subjects us to a myriad of disturbances along with sensory stimulation, the tendency to experience, thinking we’ll miss out on something, which splinters our attention spans.
Once this happens, we feel incomplete, nincompoops, fragmented, like something’s amiss. What we’re missing is a sense of completeness, wholeness.
If we’re not completely present with our experiences, we feel we’re not all there, then there’s an instinct to look for something more, or someone to help us feel more fulfilled.
Once we experience wholeness, there’s a connection with the world, we feel at peace, a bond with others, ourselves, and the universe.
If we don’t experience this, then we often conclude we’re void of something, and at times resort to recreational vices to search and find it.
We go on a mission, by pursuing money or material objects, better relationships, or external sensory pleasures such as alcohol.
We seek anything we think will provide the tonic, a cure for the distressing feelings of discontentment.
Bridging By Becoming Mindful
What most are now discovering is it just needs practice, follow the road map to become more mindful, which offers a direct passage to the exact experiences we want.
For some who do so however, may also become disappointed with the mindfulness practice, since their expectations won’t always be met.
Becoming mindful is more about being present and aware with one’s experiences, whatever that may be at the moment. The range of offers and possibilities can be vast, and often infinite.
Being complete isn’t also necessarily synonymous with feeling better, as it’s more about being acute with whatever is present in our range of experiences. It’s more about awareness than a result.
Mindfulness And Our Relationships
Mindfulness is closely connected to our relationships because to feel complete, what we seek out are partners, whether temporary or permanent.
We do so because we’re out on a quest to feel wholeness, or to distract ourselves from the feelings of loneliness.
The intense sensations along with the strong emotional activation which a relationship can provide, is the distraction from those unpleasant feelings we want to lose.
What these relationships also fulfills is our need for connection with others.
What mindfulness brings when it comes to our romantic partnerships, is the capacity of becoming more open to the full range of experiences each other brings to the table.
This mutual reinforcement enhances the ability for full and complete engagement, which is the core foundation of any relationship.
To Become More Mindful
These activities, the practice of mindfulness can be performed alone as well as in a group setting.
Mindfulness can and should be practised during and within the context of everyday life, as the principles need to be applied when we’re living life, such as at work or at home.
Begin by just slowing down the mind and heart, and then remind yourself to pay closer attention to what you’re doing.
Vividly imagine the experience you’re going through, once you begin to notice your mind starting to get erratic.
Begin by interrupting all the frantic mind chatter, with a conscious reminder to slow down, become more aware and check in.
Do so by taking a few deep breaths, as it provides immediate effective relief from all those anxious and obsessive thoughts.
Mindfulness Begins Now
Mindfulness isn’t an escape or an excuse from responsibilities, or the concerns which requires attention, or some type of action from ourselves.
Instead, it’s a process which enables us to see and act more effectively in our everyday work and relationships.
For those wanting to practice mindfulness, but thinks they don’t have enough time, then consider there are many who are extremely busy, yet finds the time to practice on a daily basis regardless.
Once something becomes a priority in life and a habit, what we’ll manage to do is find time in our busy schedule for it.
What living and becoming mindful doesn’t require is us sitting in a distracted state for hours, or adding unneeded burden into our living.
Just Be Aware
It’s more a matter of practising the awareness of the present, a consciousness presence with everything you’re already currently doing. To reach this state, all you need is to engage your mind.
Mindfulness doesn’t mean you’re getting less done, or forced to take a break from routine, but it’s more the opposite, as it’s just the awareness of realizing what you’re doing.
For many, it’s a difficult process to place into words, to give it the justice it deserves when attempting to explain how it works, other than indeed it does work.
All you need is to try it yourself, as it’s easier than you think.
I really like your post about mindfulness. I find that when I am being mindful I see things around me with more clarity. I understand people, sometimes, better. Well done!