What is mindfulness? Why is it so important for our well-being and what can we do to practice it?
At Withsara we talk a lot about mindfulness. But what does it mean and what can we do to become more mindful in our day-to-day life? In this blog post we will go in-depth explaining the meaning of the word and give you tips on how you can practice becoming more mindful.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is being able to be fully present, being aware of what is going inside and outside of ourselves. It’s about living in the present moment so all of your energy is directed to right now. In the present moment, where our focus is clear, and our ideas flow freely.
There are many benefits of practicing mindfulness. Studies shown that being mindful can lower blood pressure, improve memory, reduce stress, lessen depression, improve sleep, your immune system and anxiety. It is also linked to improved athletic performance. Being mindful is usually not something that comes naturally as we cannot instruct our mind on what not to think. Another reason is because our minds have a negativity bias.
Our minds are incredibly complex and powerful tools that are designed to help us survive and thrive in the world around us. One of the key functions of our minds is to protect us from potential threats, whether they are physical, emotional, or psychological in nature. This is why our minds are constantly scanning the environment for potential dangers, and why we are wired to react quickly and instinctively to situations that we perceive as threatening. This protective instinct is a vital part of our survival mechanism, and it has helped us to evolve and adapt over thousands of years.
However, this protective instinct can also work against us at times, leading us to become overly fearful, anxious, or paranoid about potential threats that may not actually exist. This is why it is important to learn how to manage our thoughts and emotions, and to develop healthy coping mechanisms that can help us to navigate the challenges of life with greater ease and resilience.
Ultimately, our minds are powerful tools that can help us to achieve great things, but they also require careful management and attention in order to function at their best. By learning to understand and work with our own minds, we can unlock our full potential and live our best lives.
Here are a few exercises that you can try to become more mindful:
Focusing on your breathing: Focusing on your breathing is a powerful tool for cultivating mindfulness and staying present in the moment. By taking a few deep breaths and following your breath all the way in and out, you can tap into your inner calm and find a sense of peace and clarity.
One effective technique for focusing on your breathing is to breathe deep into your belly, allowing your stomach to expand and contract with each inhale and exhale. You can also notice the sensation of air passing through your nostrils, or the rise and fall of your chest as you breathe. The breathwork classes at Withsara can help you practice your breathing.
Listen to a guided meditation: Listening to a guided meditation is a powerful way to cultivate mindfulness and promote relaxation and inner peace. By incorporating a guided meditation practice into your daily routine, you can experience greater peace, clarity, and well-being. So whether you're looking to start your day off on the right foot, or you're looking for a way to unwind after a long day, consider listening to a guided meditation and see how it can transform your life. At Withsara we have several different meditations to choose from, whether you want to focus on de-stressing, shifting your mood, or self-love. You can find all of our meditation classes here.
Engage your senses: Getting in touch with your senses is a great way to cultivate mindfulness and stay present in the moment. By slowing down and taking the time to notice the sounds, sensations, and scents around you, you can tap into your inner calm and find a sense of peace and clarity. One way to get in touch with your senses is to simply pay attention to what's going on around you in the moment. Notice the sounds you hear, whether it's from the traffic outside or the sound of birds singing in the trees. Pay attention to the temperature of your skin, whether it's warm or cool, and notice the scents in the air, whether it's the smell of freshly cut grass or a whiff of perfume. Practicing mindful eating is also a great way to cultivate mindfulness. Take a few minutes to observe the food, noticing its texture, smell, and color. Then, slowly put the food in your mouth and savour the flavour and texture, paying attention to every bite.
Letting go of past and future thoughts: Is an essential part of living a mindful and present life. When we dwell on the past, we can often get caught up in regrets and missed opportunities, which can drain our energy and leave us feeling stuck. Similarly, when we worry too much about the future, we can become anxious and overwhelmed, which can also sap our energy and leave us feeling powerless.
The key to letting go of past and future thoughts is to focus on the present moment. This means paying attention to what is happening right now, without judgment or analysis. By staying present, we can tap into our inner resources and find the strength and clarity we need to deal with whatever challenges come our way.
Accepting the present moment: When we accept the present moment just as it is, we free ourselves from the tendency to react and can use our energy to directly handle the circumstance at hand.
Often, when we are faced with difficult or challenging situations, our first instinct is to react, either by fighting back or running away. This can be a natural response, but it can also be draining and counterproductive. By accepting the present moment and staying mindful, we can respond to the situation in a more measured and effective way.
Remember, mindfulness is a skill that takes practice, so don't get discouraged if your mind wanders or you find it difficult to focus at first. With time and practice, you can train your brain to be more mindful and present in the moment.
