Have you ever practiced mindfulness and found it difficult? Join the rest of the world. 

Have you told yourself you’re just not cut out for this, or your mind is just too full to be mindful?

I have found over time that there are many, many ways to practice becoming present to your life in this moment. There is no right or wrong way. The right way for you is the one that you will practice.

There are so many mindfulness programs popping up and this weekend I had the wonderful opportunity to learn from educators all the ways mindfulness is being brought into schools for students and teachers. We are definitely in a changing time and people are searching for ways to become less stressed and more fulfilled in their lives.

Make your practice personal and manageable. You might be more attuned to sound, or feeling, or images, or words. We’re all unique. Use the means that suit you to simply:

Become aware of the present moment, as it is, without judgement and with acceptance.

You might find it useful to take this 30 second strengths assessment to  find out what comes more naturally to you. 

I found out I am more attuned to sound which is why I love listening to music, guided meditations, birds. But you might find sound irritating and be more inclined towards images: a flower, a beautiful sunset, a painting or photograph. 

Make your practice your own by honouring your own gifts. Here are some suggestions on different ways to bring mindfulness into your day:

• .Pause and do 3 deep belly breaths when you wake up.
•  Make your tea or coffee your practice. See, smell, touch and taste slowly… linger a little longer.
• Walk slowly and mindfully from your car to your workplace or grocery store. Feel your feet. Be in the journey instead of the destination.
• Pause at the steering wheel for 30 seconds and breathe before turning on the car. How many times a day are you there and miss it?
• Listen mindfully in a conversation. Be there fully, with all your presence, using all your senses. What a gift you have given the talker!
• Notice the sky without labeling it. Notice the expansive blue background.
• Take time to prepare a meal. I know you are rushed, but notice the carrots, the rice, the meat or whatever else you are preparing. You’re doing it anyway, so why not be there?
• For an extra challenge use a chore you dislike as your practice. Do it as mindfully as possible. This has changed taking out the compost for me!

You can see there are endless ways to practice mindfulness. Doing a 5 minute practice 5 times a day can add up!

If you have other suggestions, please share them below. I am always looking for more doorways to peace in the present moment.

If you want a good, solid foundation in mindfulness for stress and anxiety, please join me in the upcoming class that begins this Friday. There are 2 spots left!

Have a peaceful day,

Madeleine