Mindfulness is incredibly powerful.

Even science can’t stop talking about mindfulness. In fact, research is growing exponentially and while there’s still plenty we don’t yet know, one thing we do know is that mindfulness has the amazing capacity to strengthen and heal the brain.

Research has found that mindfulness is even as effective for anxiety as cognitive behavior therapy. That’s interesting stuff.

So, what exactly is it?

Mindfulness – What You Need to Know

Once the forte of Buddhist monks, mindfulness has really entered the mainstream.

It’s all about being fully engaged with the now – the present. It revolves around reconnecting with your immediate experience. It’s about focusing on the sounds, sights, tastes, smells, sensations in your body, and the feel of everything around you.

Mindfulness can be as simple as noticing the grass under your feet as you walk, or the water against your skin when you climb into a bathtub.

Just try it for a second. Slow down right now. Experience where you are.

Notice how your clothes feel. Really take note of the fabric against your skin. As you’re doing this, take note of the feelings and thoughts that come to you, but don’t put much into it – just watch as an observer. Give way to your need to analyze. Just see those thoughts or feelings for what they are and let them go.

That’s the art of mindfulness. Try this regularly and it can bring immense change to your body, mind, and mood.

I try to practice mindfulness in every situation, and it’s taught me so much.

Here are three powerful things I’ve discovered by practicing mindfulness.
  1. Mindfulness Helps You Move On
When we embrace a situation for what it is, rather than what we hope it ought to be, we can make thoughtful choices and take that path towards our end goals. For example, when I practice mindfulness in my work situation, I find I spend less time dwelling on the negative and more time living in the now, embracing a situation. It helps me meet my work-related objective easier.
  1. It’s Good for the Body
Mindfulness, I’ve found, has a profound impact on my physical health and well-being. In fact, studies show that when you regularly practice mindfulness, you enjoy better overall health, spend fewer days in the hospital, and require fewer doctor’s visits. I can attest to this. Since practicing mindfulness, I’m on better form. I’m healthier, fitter, and overall happier.
  1. It’s Good for Life
Perhaps one of the most important things I’ve discovered about mindfulness is that it can transform relationships with the people around you. It has a significant impact on both romantic and interpersonal relationships.

With mindfulness, I’ve been able to build greater closeness and achieve higher relationship satisfaction with my nearest and dearest. In turn, that’s lowered relationship stress levels and expectations, and it all seems to get better with time and practice.

You Can Be Mindful, Too

Practicing mindfulness daily can cultivate love, understanding, joy, and well-being. And it’s free!

The simplest way to begin practicing mindfulness is to set aside some time each day. Focus on your breathing. Breathe naturally and concentrate on the sensations in your nose, your chest, and your stomach. If you find your mind wandering, slowly bring your attention back to your breathing.

Here are a few more exercises you can try to improve your mindfulness practice:
  • Pay attention to your daily activities as you perform them. If you have anxious thoughts, acknowledge them, understand where they are coming from, and let them go.
  • Bring the “now” into your daily activities. Notice the sensation of water as you wash your hands, or literally stop and smell the roses.
  • Stay in the moment. Take note of what’s happening around and inside of you at any given moment and then proceed with what you’re doing.
Mindfulness is about the here and now. The goal is to give you distance from anxious or adverse thoughts and emotions so that you can observe them without reacting immediately.

The benefits, for me, have been tremendous. I’ve improved my mental and physical health and my relationships are in the best position they could ever be.

If you’re searching for a more content life, mindfulness can get you there.

Ready? Shut down the computer for 10 minutes or so now and go and practice your breathing.

 

Follow me at marksalinas.com

 

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