Mindfulness

Mindfulness is the deliberate act of paying attention to the here and now, with purpose.

“Wherever you go, there you are.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn

How does it feel to be fully present? In those glimmers of time when you feel mind-body-moment connected, and you feel at peace and ease. You have a sense of clarity, simplicity, and belonging. Life happens and you’re not trying to fix, control, or change anything.

It is open awareness and at the same time, letting-go. You’re no longer in your head. You’re not stressed. Your thoughts are not hijacking your experience. You simply are.

You notice your thoughts. You become a witness to the natural happenings of your mind. You’re not avoiding nor numbing. You’re fully awake. You see the metaphorical thought car drive by, and you wave, but you don’t get in.

Mindfulness is intentional acts. It is purposeful living. It is aligning and opening your awareness to the subtleties, complexities, and beauty of this moment.

It is increasing your tolerance and capacity for a range of thoughts and feelings while knowing their impermanence. Even just for one moment, it relieves stress and increases a sense of wellbeing.

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn.

This practice can be difficult for many people. As our attention is bouncing in many directions at once through multi-tasking, social media, or worry about the past or future, present focus can become elusive.

Where does your mind go when you’re focused on the past or future? Does it race? Is it noticing loss, fear, regret, or uncertainty? What feelings do those thoughts create? And what behaviors follow?

Mindfulness creates space in your mind so you can be more gentle and patient with yourself. It changes your brain structure by developing the parts responsible for empathy and peace. It enables you to view yourself with more compassion.

You have the power to develop a present focused attention that will keep you grounded, calm, productive, and open to possibilities. I will help you cultivate a daily mindful and meditation practice to provide relief from the burdens of everyday life.

In the words of Thich Nhat Hanh, a celebrated Vietnamese Buddhist monk and peace activist. “Many people are alive but don’t touch the miracle of being alive.”

See more about Mindfulness on my blog here.

What are the ways to practice mindfulness? Stop and take a breath. Notice the sensations of breathing. Look around your environment and deliberately practice gratitude for the beautiful things that bring you joy. Take time to tap into your five senses and nothing else. Do a body scan for tension or discomfort. Stay in tune with your present moment experience.

A few opportunities for practicing mindfulness: