Can 'Mindful Living' actually improve our health?
I searched 'Mindful Living' on the web and 3 1/2 million options appear in 22 seconds but if you watch children play out doors you can work out what mindful living is. One of my daughters is on the new large trampoline at the moment, jumping as high as she can while looking out at the trees and the big blue sky. Her mind is on that trampoline as the hot summer wind is ignored and her enthusiasm sends her skywards.
There are lots of reasons 'Living Mindfully' seems impossible. We are all busy but we also bring into each moment opinions, concerns, expectations and interests that take us from Now. The weeks, months and years can become a bit of a blur. So how can we be more present today? How can this be a year to remember?
Lets enjoy the detail...try eating one piece of chocolate or fruit slowly...try taking photos of things in our garden that usually go unnoticed...lets breathe more deeply...smile more often...listen carefully...let a few annoying things just slide and rediscover the beauty in the small details. e.g. Living mindfully is driving to work and noticing the sky, not worrying about the person who you get annoyed with.
In a nut shell when we take in more of the detail we avoid less of the drama. When life feels less stressful our health improves. Even in extreme cases when pressure, worry, illness or crisis occurs 'Mindful Living' can help. The first thing to change during stress is the breath. The ability to breathe calmly and deeply under pressure sends messages to the body that create clearer thinking, more stable emotions and a more productive response. Just have a look at people full of rage in the traffic. How is their heart rate?
By practicing Mindful Living on ordinary days I have developed the skills to cope with pressure most of the time. Catching the breath is key. I live 40 minutes from town and rather than this be a 'waste of time' it is a chance to witness how the heat of summer is transforming the environment, or to chat with my children and really notice how they are feeling. Try taking a few breathes and ask; Am I relaxed? Am I noticing how beautiful today is? Am I focused on the things that make me stronger, happier, kinder and more content? What am I missing today by rushing? How can my approach today, make this be a step towards a year to remember?
On the days when Living Mindfully is achieved it is worth noting that the energy levels are usually higher, problems seems manageable and you just know your health is improving! Worth a try don't you think?
There are lots of reasons 'Living Mindfully' seems impossible. We are all busy but we also bring into each moment opinions, concerns, expectations and interests that take us from Now. The weeks, months and years can become a bit of a blur. So how can we be more present today? How can this be a year to remember?
Lets enjoy the detail...try eating one piece of chocolate or fruit slowly...try taking photos of things in our garden that usually go unnoticed...lets breathe more deeply...smile more often...listen carefully...let a few annoying things just slide and rediscover the beauty in the small details. e.g. Living mindfully is driving to work and noticing the sky, not worrying about the person who you get annoyed with.
In a nut shell when we take in more of the detail we avoid less of the drama. When life feels less stressful our health improves. Even in extreme cases when pressure, worry, illness or crisis occurs 'Mindful Living' can help. The first thing to change during stress is the breath. The ability to breathe calmly and deeply under pressure sends messages to the body that create clearer thinking, more stable emotions and a more productive response. Just have a look at people full of rage in the traffic. How is their heart rate?
By practicing Mindful Living on ordinary days I have developed the skills to cope with pressure most of the time. Catching the breath is key. I live 40 minutes from town and rather than this be a 'waste of time' it is a chance to witness how the heat of summer is transforming the environment, or to chat with my children and really notice how they are feeling. Try taking a few breathes and ask; Am I relaxed? Am I noticing how beautiful today is? Am I focused on the things that make me stronger, happier, kinder and more content? What am I missing today by rushing? How can my approach today, make this be a step towards a year to remember?
On the days when Living Mindfully is achieved it is worth noting that the energy levels are usually higher, problems seems manageable and you just know your health is improving! Worth a try don't you think?
love this Narelle, I am taking it all in...enjoy your day:)
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