“The mind is like water. When it is turbulent, it is hard to see. When it is calm, everything becomes clear.” ~ Prasad Mahes
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present, in the moment, aware of both where we are and what we are doing.
The focus is not on the past or future, our ‘to do’ list, what we experienced prior to this moment, or what we need to do afterwards.
We are aware of sounds, the temperature, our breathing pattern, our emotions, what is present in our body, i.e. flow, relaxation, peace, tension, discomfort, etc.
The more we practice mindfulness, the more our body remembers this heightened state of awareness and we can take this into our working day and personal life. We are better able to focus for longer periods of time, we are more creative and productive, and we may experience more calm and peace inside.
The benefits are cumulative, and science has found that anxiety levels are greatly reduced with repeated practice. It helps our bodies go into a parasympathetic state, the state of relaxation and healing.
How and when can we practice mindfulness?
We can sit comfortably in a chair inside or on the grass in nature, and even lie on a yoga mat. We can also practice as we walk, eat, dance, do yoga, work, etc. The importance is being present and noticing what we notice in the moment.
The following are some ways to practice:
1. Closing our eyes, noticing our breath, stating ‘inhale’ on the inhalation, and ‘exhale’ on the exhalation, or count 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 as we inhale, and again as we exhale, staying focussed;
2. Closing our eyes, scanning our body from our toes to the top of our head, noticing body sensations, our heart beat, the temperature of our breath, and our thoughts, without getting caught up in analyzing and judgement;
3. While doing yoga, stretching, dancing or walking, noticing body sensations, muscles that are lengthening, restrictions, and feelings, including our surroundings, colours and sounds;
4. While eating, eating slowly, noticing the textures, colours and flavours of our food as well as our feelings as we eat;
5. While working, breathing deeply, and being present as we focus on only one task.
This information to help you have a better life is provide by Sandra Corrado, the founder of Next Level Consulting,
Sandra is an Integrative Wellness Coach, Sound Wellness Practitioner, Certified Fitness Instructor and Personal Trainer.
She started her personal fitness practice at age 11 and fell in love with the healing power of movement. Since 2005 she has been a leader in using movement to increase physical strength and flexibility as well as emotional and spiritual resiliency.
Since 2001 she has become an expert at helping women recover from burnout and life changing circumstances, discover their inner wisdom, and deliberately create a conscious way forward.
Next Level Consulting offers one-to-one and group coaching, as well as wellness-fitness sessions and personal training, sound wellness sessions and many other offerings, supporting the mind, body and spirit, and covering all 7 areas of life, as life fulfillment requires addressing every aspect of life.
Contact details: (416) 729-1560; [email protected]; www.nextlevels.ca
