FOCUS ON THE MOMENT
TO SHOW UP FOR THE EXPERIENCE OF YOUR LIFE
Mindfulness is defined as paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, without judgment. It’s about being curious about our own experience and working in a kind, compassionate and gentle way with ourselves, as well as others. Often, given the fast-paced world that we live in, we find ourselves lost in the past (perhaps regretting something we said or did not say, or perhaps something we did or feel we should have done), worrying about the future (such as meeting deadlines or thinking of what needs to be accomplished from an endless list), which can inevitably exacerbate feelings of anxiety. We are essentially in what’s referred to as autopilot mode, living in our heads and out of touch with ourselves, our bodies and our emotions. As a result, we miss out on most of the moments of our lives.
With each of my programs, I teach mindfulness practices that help us cultivate greater awareness of the mind-body state so that we can show up for the experiences of our lives with kindness and non-reactivity. A regular mindfulness practice can enable us to identify habitual patterns that may no longer serve us, whether it be in the workplace or our personal lives. It also strengthens the mind’s ability to stay focused on what’s happening now, as opposed to getting lost in thought. This cultivation of awareness allows us to foster deeper self-care, nourish ourselves, and make choices that better support our needs and overall wellbeing.
There are a number of ways in which the practice of mindfulness can be beneficial. Here are just a few:
Decrease stress, depression and anxiety
Reduce chronic pain and medical symptoms
Help treat high blood pressure, heart disease and asthma
Increase awareness, concentration and creativity
Develop greater resiliency
Shift the way in which you relate to problems, such as physical pain and stressors
Improve communication and relationships
Improve executive functioning, which optimizes the ability to better manage time, pay attention, switch focus, plan and organize, remember details and avoid reactivity
Improve sleep
Learn to cultivate greater self-care and expand compassion for ourselves, as well as others
Enjoy your life moment to moment