Mindfulness has become a popular concept, but really it’s something that ancient civilisations knew and practiced.
Our “monkey minds” (as Buddhists call it) are all the thoughts we have going on, like crazy monkeys swinging from tree to tree.
How do we quiet our minds and live in the moment?
Why is this something we need to share with our families?
The world is fast with instant gratification apps and get-it-now features, and yet you’re reading this because somehow you know a monkey mind is not what you want for yourself and your children.
How can we bring the ancient art of mindfulness to the present?
Here are 3 easy ways for you and your family to practice mindfulness every day:
BREATHE IN RELAXATION
Practice pranayama (the Sanskrit word for breathing). There are many breathing techniques that provide portable stress management wherever you are.
Bunny Breathing is easy to do with children!
Take three quick inhalations through your nose and one long exhalation through your mouth.
Repeat...
With your children, pretend you’re sniffing vegetables or a sweet flower in the garden.
When calm is needed, sit together and breathe with intention.
Tune into your body and the breath as it enters and and leaves the body.
Become aware of how the chest opens and the abdomen expands on the inhale. And how the chest closes and the abdomen deflates on the exhale.
LISTEN WITH COMPASSION
Take in what you hear without placing any thought or judgment on it.
We all have our world views and experiences that are with us. It doesn’t mean we want all of that ruling us. This isn’t a time to attach any of that to what you hear. As a matter of fact, when any of those thoughts pop up, be curious of its meaning or just let them go!
There’s a lot of energy that gets wasted on outside things rather than placing your attention on the present. Find the present and be there.
As thoughts arise, just label them as “thoughts” or “lists”, or even “music lyrics”. Don’t get frustrated or angry with the thoughts, just let them bubble up and imagine it blowing away. If you’re guiding your child, use a single object to ponder on, like a candle. Practice letting thoughts go like leaves on a windy day, cars zooming past or try tratak, or candle-gazing, to settle down before bed.
GET OUTDOORS
Go for a walk.
Is that too much for your busy schedule at this time? Then simply walk out your front or back door and pay attention to what is before you.
Look up at the clouds or out at the garden or at a bush. Feel the cool or warm air upon your skin. Take a deep breath in and notice the scents in the air. Feel snow drops, rain or sunshine on your tongue. Bend down get close and pay attention to what you see. Look at the colors. Are there insects moving below? Where are they going?
Get creative with nature. Make a mobile with sticks you find. Do a leaf rubbing with a crayon and a piece of paper. You can bring that rubbing inside and stick it on the fridge.
Commemorate the moment; engage in the simplicity of the moment. It’s just a matter of noticing what’s around you, not what’s swirling around on the inside.
“Grass doesn’t try to grow, it just grows. Fish don’t try to swim they just swim.”
At first, it may feel like you are trying to be mindful. Eventually, it will be something you just do.
The journey to just doing and being will happen through the conscious decisions you make in your daily life.
Today, right where you are, you can be here and now. You can be mindful – active, open, and intentionally aware of the present moment instead.
𝗕𝗢𝗢𝗞 a complimentary 45 minute 𝗘𝗠𝗢𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘𝗗𝗢𝗠 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗖𝗔𝗟𝗟 with me to find out how to bring mindfulness in your life if you are battling with overwhelm, anxiety, grief and/or depression.
♥️
Ｃａｔｈｅｒｉｎｅ
ABOUT THE AUTHOR & COACH
Catherine is a heart-centred women empowerment coach who specialises in helping women create confidence, fully nourish their self esteem and nurture self-love.
Catherine is an expert at helping women break down their own barriers and limiting beliefs so they can let go of the self-doubt and find joy while being unapologetically themselves.
She teaches women how to stand in their truth, show up as their authentic selves, and let go of masks. Women who are tired of dealing with imposter syndrome and who want to get rid of negative thought patterns.
Catherine helps women step into their power and confidently live the lives they deserve and desire. She offers her wise words, actions, and guidance to help women connect positively with their body, mind, and soul.
Her sessions provide you with real-life the support and the readily accessible tools you need to achieve this.
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