In this post, we will be deep diving into the meaning of mindfulness, what it is, what it is not and some ways we can begin practicing it.
Mindfulness is the conscious practice of awareness; existing in the present moment, in the now. It is this and so much more. Practicing mindfulness is about harmonizing and harnessing our inner power, it is about unifying the mind, body and soul so that they may function together and not apart, for it is true: there is strength in numbers. Mindfulness equalizes internal and external energies. We are made aware of how energy functions. Mindfulness consists of healing as it consists of blooming – we do our inner work to watch ourselves blossom into the best version of outer selves. It is about grounding down to ascend up, to connect our tangible self to our intangible self. Mindfulness is as much science as it is spirituality. It is as calming as it is exciting, as soothing as it is revitalizing.
In essence, it is balance. It is the awareness that all things balance out.
Should there be an imbalance, mindfulness helps us find that equilibrium again. There is a connectedness to mindfulness. It shows us that whilst we can work singularly, we work best when we work together – everything becomes amplified. Mindfulness shows us that we are not perfect but that we always have the space and ability to improve ourselves.
Mindfulness is evolution. It evolves just like we evolve. And it grows and grows from strength to strength every single day, just as we do.
As an ever-transforming practice (in more ways than one!) it offers us grand opportunities to take things as they come, go with our flow and allow change to wash over us like the ocean waves lapping along the shore.
Mindfulness is a connection back to self, it is returning to oneself in our purest, most authentic form. As such, it grants us the opportunity to go on a journey of self-discovery.
It is being conscious of our thoughts, our actions, our behaviour, our words, our emotions…but mostly…the intentions we place behind all of the above.
Mindfulness is:
Awareness of self
Consciousness of our reality and beyond
Balance
Interconnectedness
A way of living/existing
Mindfulness is not:
Just ‘being’
Clearing the mind
Only silence and stillness
Pseudoscientific “hokum”
By incorporating mindful practices into our daily lives, we can – through our higher sense of awareness – begin to determine such things as:
How/when/where stress, anxiety and tension forms
Learning the best ways to release stress, anxiety and tension for ourself
Ways we can overcome our past trauma and troubles
Manifesting things in life one desires
Appreciate the little things in life we take for granted
Better ways of communicating (not just to others but with our own self too)
Shifting our mindset to a more positive outlook overall
Setting and retaining boundaries for ourself
Knowing our self-worth
And many more…I’d go on but the list is long. Essentially, you have the potential to make shifts in any area of your life should you choose to do so.
I was originally going to go through how mindfulness is beneficial to us but as I was writing it all out, I realized that it needed its very own post. So, keep your eyes peeled for next week’s post!
The Types of Practices:
Meditation: the art of stillness
Yoga: the science of the mind-body-soul connect
Journalling: the written imagination
Breathwork: the control of the breath
Visualization: the imagery of reality
Grounding: the act of anchoring
Embodiment: the expression of tangibility
Affirmations: the verbalized statement of mind
Mantras: the sacred reverence
Chanting: the resonance of sound
Sound Baths: the melodic healing
Aromatherapy: the scented remedy
Posts dedicated to each practice will be coming up over the next few weeks, as fast as I can produce them all. In these future posts, there will be a far greater look into all of these practices as well as how to begin using them. That being said, keep reading for a few select exercises that enable you to begin utilizing these practices now.
For a quick meditation practice: Set a timer for 5 minutes, then sit/lie down in a comfortable position and shut your eyes. Sit in complete stillness and silence, with the only movement coming from your lungs as they expand and contract with the breath. Do this until the timer goes off.
For a quick journaling practice: Get out a notebook and a pen. Open to the next available blank page and jot down the date. Over the next page (A5) or half page (A4), spend 10 minutes writing down all the things about yourself that you are proud of. It can be in a list format or as paragraphs, this is entirely up to you.
For a quick breathwork practice: Find a comfortable place to sit/lie down. Set a timer for 5 minutes. Once comfy, close or lower your eyes and place your attention on your breathing. Continue to breathe normally for the next 3 breaths, then slowly introduce the 4,7,8 breathing technique. This is where you inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7 seconds, and exhale for 8 seconds. Repeat this until the timer rings.
For a quick grounding practice: Go outside to your garden or a nearby park. When you reach the fresh grass, take off your shoes and walk with your bare feet on the grass for 5 minutes. Of course, this one is highly weather-dependent.
For a quick affirmation practice: Stand in front of a mirror. Stand up tall and positive. Look at yourself face on and say “I am strong, I am smart, I am super” as confidently and courageously as you can. Repeat this 2 more times.
For a quick aromatherapy practice: Light some sage or incense and waft it around your home/room/office. Allow the scent to seep into every crevice. Please take care with burning objects and always make sure to carry a ceramic bowl or something similar under your sage/incense to catch the ashes.
Wind your way through this river of little exercises, creating a bunch of beautifully magnificent mindful moments as you do.
All of them are fantastic starting points and will help you feel out what each type of practice entails. Hope you enjoy some of the aforementioned practices and do let us know how you found them in the comments – we are eager to hear feedback!
It would be so fantastic for you to try out as many of them as you can especially if you are just starting out your mindfulness journey – it is a great way to try out all the various types of mindfulness without having to devote much time or energy, even money to it!
If you have any questions or just want to comment your thoughts, please do so below! I look forward to hearing from you. Furthermore, please follow us on our Instagram (@myeirenehub) and Pinterest (MyEirene App) pages.
Until next time, Jamila A.
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