Mindfulness: Being in the moment

If you would close your eyes, would you be able to make a list of ten objects that are in the room? How was the last meal you had? Did you just eat or really enjoyed it? Could you notice the taste, texture, and temperature of the food, or did you just swallow it without even chewing your bites properly? After the meal realized that you ate much more than you needed as you were distracted by something else? How many times you have checked your smartphone while playing with your child? Or how many times you felt like you were on auto-pilot while driving, and could not even remember the roads you have passed by?

You need to slow down my friend. Take a deep breath. You will not live this day again, your child will never be five years old again, your body will not appreciate the food shoved in fast causing all kinds of indigestion and unnecessary stress to your internal organs.

If you feel like you are living your life in a hurry. Doing things but not enjoying them. I think Mindfulness might be a good tool for you.

What is Mindfulness? Mayo Clinic describes it as “A type of meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment.” It is living in the moment without thinking about the past or the future. 

As you know, you cannot change what happened in the past, therefore; it is not productive to dwell on what-if scenarios about the past. It only prevents you from enjoying the present. The same thing could be said about the future. You can try and work hard to have a bright future and you should, but the things that you can do are limited within your reach. You do your part, and leave the rest to the Universe.

Mindfulness is also praised by Health & Safety experts, as it means focusing on one thing at a time while giving your full attention to it. Which creates safer workplaces.

So, how can you practice mindfulness? You can start by observing what is going on around you. Noticing your life with a little distance, instead of reacting emotionally. Smells, sounds, temperature, objects… Then focusing on your body, any aches, pains, your breathing, you are warm or cold. Being more and more aware of what you are doing, when, and why.

Practicing Mindfulness will help you in many ways. Such as; relieving stress, improving sleep, helping with digestive problems, even losing weight – as you will be more aware of what you are putting into your mouth. Take your time, stop for a minute to smell the roses, appreciate nature or your kid’s laughter. Try not to get lost in the labyrinth of life. Because; “On ne se baigne jamais deux fois dans le même fleuve” – You can never step into the same river twice.