Are you efficient at your work and feel like you are in control of your life? Are you enjoying each part of your day, whether it’s at work, at home, with loved ones or on your own? Or do you feel that you could be enjoying each day a little more? If so, it turns out you’re not alone.
Have you ever……
- Walked into a room and forgotten why you went in there?
- Forgotten what someone just said to you in a conversation?
- Been driving in a car and had trouble remembering how you reached your destination?
- Put something down and forgot where you put it?
- Find yourself thinking about the same thing over and over?
- Find yourself reflecting on the past year (or longer) and wondering where it has gone and why it has past so fast?
……Then mindfulness could help you.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness means “paying attention in a particular way; On purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgementally.” – Jon Kabat Zinn (Founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction)
It is a way of paying attention to the present moment. It’s about being present with what we are doing and being efficient with what we are doing. It is being aware and practicing non- judgment on yourself or others. It helps you to become more aware of your thoughts and feelings and to deal with them in a positive way; instead of feeling overwhelmed by them, you are able to manage them constructively. It is a skill that can be developed through practice and can involve using techniques like meditation, conscious breathing and yoga. This short video gives you a good introduction.
And it really works! This Oxford University study showed that people who practiced mindfulness for one month experienced up to a fifty percent reduction in anxiety levels, depression and stress. Harvard, Oxford and Stanford Universities offer mindfulness courses. Mindfulness is not just a trend but a proven method for success.
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
The benefits of mindfulness are many. Regular practitioners experience an increased sense of well-being and become less reactive, more responsive. They are better able to make sensible choices.
Regular practice can reduce stress levels, make you feel more in control and give you self-confidence. It can help with depression and anxiety, help you to be more productive and have a positive effect on physical problems such as hypertension and heart disease. Mindfulness can make you a happier person and a nicer person to be with. If you like the sound of that then please read on to find out how to bring mindfulness into your life.
How do you do mindfulness?
There are many different options – attend a local mindfulness course, read a book or find a course online.
Here are just a few:
- My one-on-one mindfulness sessions here and my introduction to mindfulness and yoga retreat weekend here.
- Try Jamila’s online course here.
- Download an App onto your mobile phone, I-pad or similar device. I like the free ‘Smiling Mind’ and ‘Insight Timer’ apps. You will find my guided meditations on the Insight timer app.
- Annabel Candy’s book tips on mindfulness. This blog is excellent reading, full of insights into yourself, your life and more. I can highly recommend it.
Are you curious and would like to give it a try? You will find my video of a short three-minute mindfulness exercise here. Why not give it a try?
Have you heard of the website mindful.org? It features the world’s most knowledgeable experts on mindfulness and meditation. It is a wonderful source of inspiration and motivation, including practice sessions, and more.
When times are hard, it can be difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel – often, day-to-day stress can be overwhelming. I hope this blog has given you some ideas for practising mindfulness. Life can be challenging, but there are many ways to help yourself. Remember that you are not alone. Reach out to your friends, family, or someone that could help you.
Kind wishes,
Jamila
If you find this post helpful or if you have some ideas, I would love to hear from you.
Resources:
http://bemindful.co.uk/oxford-university-study-shows-effectiveness-of-the-be-mindful-course/
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24293203
http://www.shamashalidina.com/courses/ (My teacher)
http://www.getinthehotspot.com/books-and-quotes-on-mindfulness/