Mindfulness

Mindfulness

Mindfulness. There is a lot of meaning that can be packed in to one word. Originally a concept developed by Buddhists, mindfulness can be defined as a form of meditation, doing things with focused intention, or approaching life with a non-judgmental attitude. A notion like this can apply to many aspects of your life both internal and external ways.

The most basic and foundational form of being mindful starts with ourselves. Close your eyes and look to your thoughts and emotions. What pops up? Let those first initials thoughts que you on what you are maybe worried about or happy about. Check in with your heart. Is it excited or nervous? Sad or happy about something? The more we check in with ourselves and bring these things to the surface the more connected we become with ourselves.

It is very easy in the business of life to fall victim to disconnection with ourselves. Take the time to give yourself a mental check-in with meditation. Shed light on your internal self and be mindful of you first before you can be mindful of anyone of anything else around you. 

Another form of mindfulness is how you go about doing things. Are you following through with plans or with people? Bring awareness to not only intentions you set for yourself but also to those around you. Weather it is getting done errands you set for yourself or plans with a friend, stay mindful with your time and commitments.

One more form of mindfulness that is very important and affects not only yourself but other people as well is practicing a non-judgmental perspective. Situations happen every day that spark anger, gossip, annoyance, and many other negative emotions. The problem is not having these emotions, they are very natural reactions. Mindfulness comes in to play by stopping that emotion right there after the initial reaction.

Don’t spread that anger or gossip around. Be mindful of what you are saying to people, is it encouraging a positive environment? If someone cuts you off in traffic be mindful of that angry reaction. Maybe that person just got a call there is some type of emergency going on. Or maybe that rude person at work is dealing with a difficult breakup.

The point is that no one really knows the whole story. So please stay mindful when these situations come up and approach them with a neutral non-judgmental attitude. Aim to stop negativity instead of spreading it. It is better for our own peace of mind and those arounds us.

 ~Jami Altschuler, Personal Trainer