"Mindful Living"
Post on: April 13, 2020
If we were to ask what Mindful Living is, it can elicit various answers from different people. In a nutshell, it basically means paying attention to what is happening around us and to us.
“Few of us ever live in the present. We are forever anticipating what is to come or remembering what has gone,” – Louis L’Amour. In a fast-paced society, our thoughts wander from one subject to another, depriving us of living in the moment. Mindfulness is about being more conscious of our surrounding and living more fully – an awareness that stems from paying attention and being non-judgemental.
Some tips to mindful living:
Do not take yourself too seriously —
We tend to dwell deep into our problems and worry what others might think about us and hence get distracted. A cheerful personality with a sense of humour so effortlessly elevates the dismal mood one is going through. Laughing at ourselves brings us into the present moment.
Be Grateful –
Humans have a tendency to complain and lament on the misery life has presented them. Some tend to amplify their misfortunes and keep harping on it — I sometimes wonder if they carry it as a badge of honour. Instead, we should be grateful even for the little things which have made life more palatable. One of the best ways to stop the habit of complaining is to count our blessings. A sense of gratitude opens our hearts, aligning our minds and thoughts with appreciation.
Be in the moment —
With the plethora of information available and the multitasking activities we embark on, our thoughts jump from one subject to another rapidly. However, we can practice mindfulness by living in the present moment literally. While waiting for the bus, instead of thinking of the impending meeting and visualizing the conflicting outcomes that may arise, listen to the birds chirping and be attuned to the splendour of nature! By doing so, our minds will be relaxed and focussed on the meeting as soon as we reach the office.
However, even as we stress on focussing on the present moment, some creativity helps us in connecting with our inner thought and the outside world. Sometimes, it’s good to deviate from the ‘be in the moment’ mode. But be careful not to let negative thoughts and pessimism take root. Instead, let your imaginative thoughts soar the skies and fantasy dreams harmonise into mindful living.
Be conscious of your surrounding —
As you go about your routine, make a conscious effort when performing your daily chores and experience the minute details. Do you feel the rustle of wind blowing through the trees or hear a kitty cat meowing from the neighbouring block?
Chew your food slowly and as you drink your masala tea, instead of gulping it down hurriedly, savour the tinge of cardamom and its aroma wafting (a simple pleasures of life which I cherish). Being mindful means deliberating on our everyday activities instead of going “autopilot”.
Make an effort to reflect upon yourself –
Living a mindful life entails reflection and introspection. By asking ourselves insightful questions, we tend to be more conscious and make an effort to a more purposeful life. Weigh upon your emotions and the choices you make. Be mindful of your action because it leads to a resulting consequence. Mindful living also means you seek to improve on your life’s circumstances and not take things for granted. Your goal should be maximising your potential and walking towards a worthy life.
For the mindful living enthusiasts, it would be ideal to jot down your thoughts and feelings in a journal at the end of each day. As you write, consider how you went about your activities — was the outcome desirable and how to move forward with meaningful mindful living.
I’ll end with a quotation from Gail Sheehy which is simple and yet so profound: “If we don’t change, we don’t grow. If we don’t grow, we aren’t really living.”
By: Shaji Thomas Varughese
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