Mindfulness

Have you discovered the power of mindfulness yet? 

It is a great way to get 'out of your head' and into the here and now. You can help yourself immensely with it when, for example, you notice that you are once again seized by a head full of thoughts. 

Different ways to practice mindfulness

Mindfulness can be applied in various ways. You can approach it in a more meditative manner by focusing your attention inward. A "3-minute breathing space" is an effective technique for this. Try googling it to find examples. 

Another way is to focus your attention outward to help you stay in the moment, by using all your senses. For example, try giving yourself the task of really focusing on what you hear during a walk. Listen for sounds far away and up close. Are they loud or soft? Are they sharp or gentle? 

Make it a routine

By applying mindfulness during all kinds of daily routines, it is quite easy to integrate it practically into your life. For example, you can apply it when you are standing in the checkout queue or waiting at the traffic light. Instead of getting annoyed, you can start seeing these situations as a great opportunity to bring yourself nicely into the here and now. Then take some time to take a very conscious breath or experience your eyes, ears, sense of touch, smell or even taste buds very consciously in that moment.