Mindfulness is a great way to deal with life. In our stressful world, finding inner peace has become increasingly important. And one that has brought me to write this blog as I have dealt with anxiety and depression and wanted to do something about it.
What is Mindfulness?
In a nutshell, it is the practice of being fully present and in the moment. It´s cultivating non-judgmental awareness of our thoughts, feelings, and surroundings. It´s the total opposite of being spaced out.
Mindfulness Practices:
Meditation is key
Meditation is one of the most effective mindfulness techniques. Regular meditation practice helps reduce stress, enhance self-awareness, and cultivate a sense of inner calm. I would say to try to meditate just by being aware of where you are and how you feel.
Body Scan Meditation:
Body Scan Meditation is a personal favorite that grew on me quickly. It is based on how you can feel all of your body as you become more and more focused on every single organ, and limb and literally scan your whole body making yourself very aware of yourself. How I do it is I begging to scan myself by visualizing warm healing light throughout each part of my body and thanking them.
Doing this for at least 15 minutes 3 times a week has brought amazing results in anxiety and depression and gives me oportunity to set a moment of self care and love . It has helped me to start to incorporate meditation to my morning routine
Body Scan Meditation (Check out our article)
Mindful walking enjoy your surroundings being aware
Mindful walking involves bringing your attention to the physical sensations and movements of your body as you walk. This form of meditation can be practiced indoors or outdoors and helps in grounding yourself in the present moment.
This is something very enjoyable to do as you walk your dog or by yourself. Being aware of all sensations makes you feel present … feel the air, how it smells, what the colors were like, the different sounds, and the emotions it made you feel. Focus on your breathing and it all comes together in a very magical way. Being present is very satisfying and helps promote good health.
Mindful art is focusing on your passion
Engaging in art, we immerse ourselves in the sensations and experiences that arise during the creative process. When we mindfully do this then it becomes therapy.
When Im capturing a photograph or diving into an art piece, the act of creation becomes a meditative practice that anchors us in the present moment. The outside world fades away, and our focus becomes attuned to the colors, textures, and emotions that unfold before us. As a photographer and digital artist, I can relate personally to this as when I come across an idea or start on a new project the focus becomes your world and nothing gets you out of your zone.
Super helpful Mindfulness Books and Apps:
There are numerous mobile apps available that offer guided meditation sessions, breathing exercises, and mindfulness reminders.
Some popular options include Headspace, Calm, and Insight Timer.
b. Journals: Mindfulness journals provide prompts and exercises to help you reflect on your experiences, thoughts, and emotions. They encourage self-reflection and aid in the development of mindfulness practice.
Examples include “The Five Minute Journal” and “The Mindfulness Journal.“
Great Mindfulness Resources:
a. Books: There is a wealth of literature available on mindfulness.
Books like “The Miracle of Mindfulness” by Thich Nhat Hanh and “Wherever You Go, There You Are” by Jon Kabat-Zinn provide valuable insights and practical techniques to incorporate mindfulness into daily life.
b. Online Courses: Online courses offer structured learning experiences and guidance from experienced mindfulness teachers.
Websites like Udemy and Coursera host a variety of courses on mindfulness, ranging from introductory levels to more advanced practices.
c. Retreats and Workshops: Mindfulness retreats and workshops provide immersive experiences and an opportunity to deepen your practice. These events often feature expert instructors who lead sessions, group discussions, and guided meditations.
“Satori Women’s Retreat” A Miami group of women led by Norma Gallegos travel twice a year to Punta Pajaros Puerto Escondido Mexico for a magical encounter.
Pictures Courtesy of Norma Gallegos from her retreat
Rudy @ Tr3ndiong Vib3s
