Get Happier With Mindfulness
Mindfulness is a basic tenet of peace, fulfillment, and happiness in life. It allows us to live in this moment, the present moment. We often think about the past or worry about the future all the while missing out on what's in front of us-here and now.
Our brain's default mode network is an incessant stream of thoughts. There is an automaticity to so much of what we do. We often are living our lives on auto pilot maybe doing the dishes, showering, or driving a familiar route. Have you ever driven on a route for the 100th time and suddenly you notice a beautiful tree and ask yourself was that always there?
Noticing the beauty around us brings us to the present moment, connects us with nature, our surroundings, and increases our happiness.
The sooner we realize and acknowledge our tendency for automaticity and incessant thought streams, the more we can control ourselves and not get lost in the experience of this meaning getting sucked in.
One of the first steps to being mindful, is to increase our awareness. Of our 5 senses, of our body, our breath, and what's around us. Here and now ot tether ourselves to the present moment through our mind body connection.
Application of mindfulness:
Savoring the good moments, hugging your child Being present with children Getting yourself out of a negative catastrophization spiral
How do we do this:
Remind ourselves There is a body-feel the weight of gravity and points of contact Here and now. Then we can shift our focus to our breath for a few seconds they serve as an anbchor. Provide us with stability Allow us to feel stable amidst any and all chaos.
Meditation practice over time leads to mindfulness and a greater mind body connection. This process gives us distance from our thoughts and feelings. Eventually, we will get sucked into our own inner drama less and less leading to a more balanced life experience." Jackson MacKenzie
BENEFITS of mindfulness
Less stress Less anxiety Lower blood pressure Lower heart rate Better sleep Improved focus and concentration Increased feelings of wellbeing or happiness Help us with our constant need to be stimulated, phone addicitons
Helpful books
Full Catastrophe Living and Whereever You Go There You Are by Jon Kabat-Zinn
The Art Of Mindfulness by Thich Naht Hahn
Mistakes in meditation:
People think that by meditating regularly, they will find peace Meditating by itself isn't the answer People assume they cannot meditate People think there is a "right way" to practice mindfulness meditation It's not actually that simple You have to apply your practice to real life
Mindfulness has empowered me to savor the good and ordinary moments, contributing to my overall happiness.
I use mindfulness in stressful, anxious, and angry moments. It helps to center me and give me distance from my overpowering unpleasant feelings.