Mindfulness Strategies

We live in a fast-paced world where we are often required to think, decide, and act at lightning speed.  From parenting, to a commute, making dinner, cleaning the closet—it is challenging to stay in the present moment. Mindfulness is a practice that asks us to think only of the present moment and what we are doing at that moment. If we are cleaning the closet in a mindful manner, we think of the garments, the hangers, the colors and the seasons, but not of the rolls we burned at dinner, nor of our yoga class in the morning.

OK, then. How does one be mindful, practically speaking, when our days or our minds start to go full tilt? When stress or anxiety creeps in? We can:

1.  Take 5-10 deep breaths.  Focus on the inhale. Let the air fill your lungs. Hold your breath for a moment at the top of the inhale, then exhale completely. Repeat. Close your eyes to help keep awareness on breathing. 

2. Get outside. Find a tree, a plant, or a small section of grass—some piece of nature—and take a moment to appreciate its beauty, and its simple being. 

Number two is my favorite these days.  I’ve been spending more time walking slowly in my neighborhood, looking up at the pines and redwoods, listening to the cheerful birds.  It’s a simple act, and even if it’s just a five minute walk, I come home in a different state of mind, more fully present, and able to appreciate the life I’ve been given.