Let's Talk About Mindfulness

Mindfulness is such an important part of the healing journey.

I thought I would bring some attention to mindfulness in this newsletter since it seems to be a term that’s thrown around a lot, but maybe not understood. I didn’t understand what it was at first.

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with openness, curiosity, and without judgement.

It means noticing what’s happening inside you (your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations) and around you (your environment, sounds, sights, smells) without getting caught up in the past or future.

A few key points:

• Awareness: You become more aware of your thoughts and feelings as they arise.

• Non-judgement: Instead of labeling your experiences as “good” or “bad,” you just notice it.

• Being present: You gently bring your attention back to now, instead of replaying old events or worrying about what’s next.

• Practice: Often strengthened through mediation, breathing exercises, or even everyday activities like mindful waking or eating.

In short: Mindfulness helps you pause, ground yourself, and respond more calmly and intentionally rather than reacting automatically.

After reading this, I realized that I was starting to be attacked by boredom again.

I don’t know what it is about boredom, but as soon as I feel it, I want to start doing something, anything.

This time, I stopped myself, became aware of what was happening, and decided to sit in the boredom again.

My goal was to stay in the moment. I was looking out the window and just focusing on what was right there in front of me, trees, grass, rocks, etc. That’s it, I sat there in the boredom until the feeling to want to do something else went away.

That feeling finally did go away and I focused on just being in the moment and enjoying the moment, just being present.

It seems like presence can be the hardest thing to find in our busy lives, but it’s the one thing we need in order to find our best life. This moment is the only moment we have. We’re not guaranteed tomorrow. We can’t go back and change the past. All we have is this moment right now. I’m learning to be better at embracing the present moment, enjoying the journey of life.

Here are some ways in which you can practice mindfulness:

Mindful Breathing (2-5 minutes)

• Sit comfortably.

• Focus on your breath as it enters and leaves your body.

• If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath without judgement.

• Tip: Count “inhale - 1, exhale - 1, inhale - 2, exhale - 2” up to 10, then start again.

Body Scan (5 minutes)

• Lie down or sit quietly.

• Bring attention slowly from head to toe, noticing any sensations (tension, relaxation, warmth, etc.).

• Breathe into areas of discomfort instead of resisting them.

Mindful Walking (5-10 minutes)

• Walk slowly, paying attention to each step.

• Notice how your feet feel against the ground.

• Tune into your senses: the air on your skin, sounds around you, colors you see.

Mindful Eating (at least one meal/snack daily)

• Before eating, pause and look at your food. Notice the colors, textures, and smells.

• Take a small bite and really taste it - notice flavors, textures, and the act of chewing.

• Put your fork/spoon down between bites to slow the pace.

Three Good Things (reflection practice before bed)

• Write down or think of three things you are grateful for today.

• Pause to actually feel the gratitude in your body.

• This shifts attention from stress to appreciation.

Practicing mindfulness helps us shed the anxiety and worry of the future, make peace with the trauma caused by our past, and appreciate the moment because this moment is all we have.

It means learning to enjoy the journey of life no matter what we’re going through at the time.

Take the time to practice mindfulness daily.

Remember, if you’re not aware that something’s happening, you can’t change it.

Mindfulness will improve your awareness so you can start catching the thoughts and actions that must be changed in order to continue healing.

Stay positive and take action!

Thank you for your support!

If you would like to learn more or schedule a free 30-minute consultation, visit my website by clicking here.

***NEW: I’ve added a “Resources” section (use the Resources Button) to my website as well. I will share what I learn and provide tools to help you with your healing journey. I will constantly be adding resources.