Living in the Present- A Beginner’s guide to Mindfulness
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Lately, I've been reading Eckhart Tolle's book, "The Power of Now." It's all about this idea of living in the present moment, which can also be called Mindfulness. It is a mental practice and a state of consciousness that involves being fully present and engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction. It's about paying deliberate attention to your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the environment around you. Right now is the only real thing we've got; everything else is just stuff we make up in our heads. But despite knowing this, it's not always easy to stay in the here and now. Our minds and egos often pull us away.
Eckhart Tolle in his book mentions a habit that has helped me a lot in grounding and coming back to this moment. He says - 'Make it a habit to ask yourself: What's going on inside me at this moment? That question will point you in the right direction. But don't analyze, just watch.'
So, I've been paying more attention to my thoughts lately. I've noticed how often I'm lost in them instead of being present. It's been eye-opening. I've started this practice where I simply focus on being aware of what's going on in my mind. And you know what? Just that act of paying attention to my thoughts brings me back to the present.
Since I've started doing this, I've found that I'm enjoying my days more. I notice all sorts of little things around me that I used to miss. Even my morning runs have become more beautiful. It feels as if some mental fog has lifted.
Sure, there are times when my thoughts still take over, and I get caught up in them. But now, I'm better at recognising it when it happens, and I gently let those thoughts go. This book has been a valuable resource in teaching me the significance of living in the moment and techniques for staying grounded in the present. If you're interested in exploring these ideas further, you can find the link to the book attached.
"The only thing that is real about your journey is the step you are taking at this moment. That’s all there ever is."
- Eckhart Tolle Mindfulness
I've also made a list of things that help me stay in the present moment. I'm sharing this with you because I think it could help you too. You don't have to do all of them, just pick what feels right for you. It could be one thing, two things, or everything on the list. The important thing is to find what works for you on your journey to being more mindful. I hope this can be useful to you as it has been for me.
TIPS FOR MINDFULNESS
MONO-TASKING : the practice of doing one thing at a time with your full and undivided attention in order to cultivate mindfulness. Mono-tasking intentionally slows down the pace and helps you become more present in the moment. Some ways to incorporate mono tasking into your daily life could be mindful eating, walking or listening. Mono tasking allows you to cultivate a deeper awareness of your experiences and promotes a sense of presence in everyday activities. It can reduce stress, enhance focus, and contribute to a greater sense of well-being.
BREATHING EXERCISES : Sit quietly and focus solely on your breath. Pay attention to the sensation of each inhalation and exhalation. When your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath. Breathing is a fundamental and powerful tool for practicing mindfulness. It serves as an anchor to the present moment, helping you cultivate awareness and reduce distractions.
MEDITATION : Meditation is an integral part of any meaningful discussion about mindfulness. It's like the cornerstone of mindfulness practice, providing a structured and deliberate way to train your mind in the art of being present.
MINDFUL MOVEMENT : This encompasses a variety of practices, including Yoga, Tai Chi, Qigong, Pilates, and more. These disciplines promote physical well-being while fostering a deep connection between the mind and body. Through intentional and present-focused movements, they cultivate mindfulness, bringing you back to the present moment.
REDUCING DISTRACTIONS : Sometimes, it's a good idea to take breaks from social media and your digital devices. Even though it might feel like checking your social media keeps you connected, it can make it harder to stay in the moment. It's important to find a balance with technology, so it doesn't take over your life and keep you from being present in the moment.
JOURNALING : Begin by writing down whatever comes to mind. Don't worry about grammar, punctuation, or making your writing perfect. The goal is to let your thoughts flow freely. Journaling, or brain dumping, can be a therapeutic and grounding practice that brings you into the present moment, reduces stress, and promotes self-awareness. It's a way to declutter your mind and create space for mindfulness in your life.
To truly embrace the art of living in the present, it's essential to infuse mindfulness into everything you do. Mindfulness means being fully present and engaged in each moment, whether it's savouring the taste of your morning coffee, feeling the warmth of the sun on your skin during a walk, or actively listening to a friend during a conversation. When you infuse mindfulness into your daily activities, you enrich your life with a deeper appreciation for the world around you, a heightened sense of gratitude, and a profound connection to the beauty of each passing moment.
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