Mindfulness is all about being present and fully engaged in the moment — not caught up in endless distractions and judgments. It’s about noticing your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings just as they are – not your projection or assumption of what is happening.
Let’s face it, without those distracting worries, most moments in life are actually pretty good – and they’re right there now to be enjoyed! Loosening the chains of those busy thoughts, being happier and calmer, is the wonderful gift of mindfulness.
Where can I practise mindfulness?
The good news is that you can practise mindfulness just about anywhere! Whether you’re enjoying a meal, a walk in nature, or simply watching your breathing, being mindful means focusing on what’s happening right now – more present to “what is”. Calming that busy mind helps you live better and feel better.
Three key aspects of mindfulness
- Awareness – This is my #1 tip for improving. Many of us have low self-awareness – by that I mean noticing your thoughts and feelings, but without getting caught up in them. Awareness of self is recognising who you are being (in the present) rather than who you aspire to be (in the future).
- Not judging – Living mindfully encourages you to accept experiences as they come, without labelling them as good or bad. Watch out for those invasive opinions also.
- Presence – This helps you connect more deeply with the actual moment, making everyday activities feel richer and more meaningful.
From my experience, with practice, over time you will notice more, experience more, and enjoy more.
What’s meditation?
Meditation is best described as one of the structured practices available to help you become more mindful. Using an aviation related analogy – meditation is a great flight path into becoming more mindful – the more you practise, the better you get!
There are two main types of meditation practice: formal and informal.
- Formal practice involves setting aside time to sit quietly and focus your mind. Choose a quiet spot where you won’t be interrupted. Some meditations focus on your breath, others scanning the body, counting (to give the mind something to do!) etc. There is no absolute one way of meditating – different people gravitate to different styles. Check out my Insight Timer Teachers page for a dozen or so free guided meditations you can use now to get started. The goal here is to quiet the mind and cultivate a sense of inner peace – allowing this to rise without striving.
- Informal practice is applying mindfulness to all the things you each day. Try rushing less – be present and notice more, eat slower, notice textures and tastes. Walk slower, have a mindful shower ! (not have internal discussions with your 9 o clock meeting people – be present, notice warm water, texture of your skin and so on. Talk slower, give yourself time to respond vs having the habit of launching into an automatic reactions.
How mindfulness and meditation work together
While mindfulness and meditation can stand alone, they’re like best friends who enhance each other very well.
At the end of the day, mindfulness is a way of living, while meditation is a tool to help you get there. The concentration skills you develop through meditation can make it easier to be mindful throughout your day. By embracing both practices, you can cultivate a greater sense of presence, peace, and overall happiness in your life. Thousands of scientific studies show the benefits.
Mindfulness can be a key part of your meditation practice, helping you observe your thoughts and sensations without getting tangled in them.
The first two steps to mindfulness
- Start small: Try incorporating short moments of mindfulness into your day. For example, take a few deep, slow breaths while waiting in line. Take a moment to close your eyes and really savour the flavours of a good meal, focusing on the texture and taste. Catch yourself rushing or judging situations harshly, and release yourself from the urge to act on them immediately.
- Make time for meditation: Find time each day to meditate in the formal practice above. Start with just five minutes, and gradually increase the time as you feel more comfortable. Check out my guided meditations – they start from 1 or 2 minutes, then 5 minutes to 20 minutes as you get more experienced. It’s important that it’s regular so your mind and body become used to the practice and sensations.
However you practise, make it regular
The best outcomes arise from a regular ritual or discipline to practise regularly. Regular meditation can improve your focus, enhance self-awareness, and promote emotional well-being. Discipline is harder for some people than others, but if you check out what my students think, you can see what kind of results are possible!
Inner Synergy offers a variety of training options to help you get started or become more advanced – please get in touch for help with options.
