Mindfulness takes practice -- a lot of practice. As with all things, practice makes perfect but it may be difficult to keep at it for some people. The fact is that it is very difficult to train your mind to stay focused on what is presently in front of you. The mind wanders. That’s simply what it does.
Your task is to learn to bring it back to the task as quickly as possible, more seamlessly than before. It’s a matter of habit and practice. Very few people can ever keep themselves fully focused in the present moment. It’s almost impossible, but the better you get at it, the better your results will be in all parts of your life.
Ways to Improve Mindfulness
When mindfulness is working, you’ll tune out your cell phone when it rings. You won’t even hear it. When you first start learning, however, you can’t be nearly this focused. It takes time and it takes a lot of practice. You will learn though. Otheremedies
has some great information on how to learn.
Here are some ways in which you can practice mindfulness and get better:
● Practice mindful eating. Eat slowly and focus on every bite, every chew, how it feels in your mouth, the flavor, and the seasonings. Try to chew slowly and imagine what seasonings were used in the dish.
● Meditate. If you are new to meditation, begin by listening to guided meditations
and practice getting yourself to a place of being fully relaxed while still being mentally sharp. At first, you are likely to fall asleep during these meditations. This isn’t awful because you likely have needed this relaxation for a long time.
● Slow down as you do your normal daily rituals. Even if you are sweeping the floor, stay in the moment and focus on what you are doing. Learn to take pleasure in even the most menial of tasks. Observe tastes, physical sensations, smells, sounds and keep your mind on what you are doing by slowing down your life.
● Do not multitask. It’s important to do one thing at a time so you can focus on these things and take pleasure in them. Find pleasure in the things that you might otherwise have not looked forward to. Learn to be methodical in your approach to things and it will help you stay focused and grounded in all other aspects of your life.
● Go hug a tree. You can do this literally but the idea is to get out and enjoy nature. Find yourself a lovely forest path that you can enjoy. Go birdwatching, fishing, sunbathing, whatever it takes for you to enjoy some time under the blue sky and sunshine. Let the sun warm your face and let yourself truly feel it. Observe how you can hear more than one bird at a time. Watching wildlife is a wonderful way to relax
and get lost in what you are doing so deeply that you tune the rest of the world out.
Improving Your Awareness Feeds Your Soul
When you take time to slow down and focus on things, one at a time, you will find that you are able to find more enjoyment in your life. When this happens, you also naturally become calmer and happier.
It is less stressful to relax and enjoy the moment. You can give your full attention to important matters but you learn to not dwell on them at other times. When you eat, your focus on your meal. When you are having a conversation, you focus on the person you are speaking to. When you are planting your garden, then you are 100% involved in the seeds and pots in front of you. Your time will pass quickly and yet it will be far more enjoyable for you.
When you are calm and healthy, your body will stay healthier as well. Stress is very poisonous to the body, It can lead to heart disease, weight gain, and inflammation
that becomes chronic. This often leads to chronic conditions. When you practice mindfulness, you can bring healing to your mind and body alike.
Many people are able to lower blood pressure, stop taking anxiety medications, and lead a much happier and fulfilled life once they truly have a grasp of mindfulness. Try it and see if you don’t also feel changed for the better.