Practice Being Mindful: The Benefits Are Priceless

Do you feel guilty setting aside time for yourself in the day? Are you constantly meeting the needs of others and forgetting to fill yourself up? If you answered yes to either question, you may be missing a lot of your own life by doing too much and not appreciating the present moment.

As life becomes more saturated with media and information, the choice about where to focus your attention is even more valuable. Giving back to yourself so that you feel energized and focused  makes you more productive in your work, benefits your body and creates lasting relationships both professionally and personally.

Here are 5 ways to give yourself a little vacation:

1. Breathe: When you relax and become mindful, self-appreciation is boosted. Yoga and meditation are 2 great ways to practice breathing while being present.

2. Be Present: Focus on the present moment when your mind starts to race ahead. It will allow you to make crystal clear decisions without distraction. Exercising immediately clears your head because you focus on whatever sport or activity you are engaged in.

3. Be Gentle: Stop criticizing yourself and being harsh! It is energy-draining and a waste of time (your most valuable resource). By relaxing and being mindful, you will have a greater appreciation for your contributions to the world. Get together with a good friend who reminds you of why he or she chose you for their friend.

4. Be Kind: Accepting others just where they are without judgment or criticism takes practice and mindful presence. Our thoughts and actions toward others have a direct link to what is happening in our lives.  If you are jealous and greedy, you will not be in a position to attract abundance. Spiritual practice (in whatever from you choose) is a wonderful way of increasing tolerance and acceptance.

5. Let Go: Going over and over something or ruminating about the past keeps you from focusing on the future. It may also directly impact your body by having a higher level of stress. Once you have talked or written about what is bothering you, release it. Put your energy into what you would like to manifest in your life.

Here are a few quotes from my mentor Dr. Maya Angelou that help me to feel inspired and to practice mindfulness every day.

“I believe that it’s wise for all of us to keep in mind that we’re in process, and to keep on our traveling shoes. Nobody’s here to stay. We’re in process.”

“I believe that the force that created life is betting that human beings will do something quite wonderful–like live up to their potential.”

“If one is lucky, a solitary fantasy can totally transform one million realities.”

I wish you unlimited joy as you practice being mindful,

Lydia