Cell phones, email, 24-hour news, the Internet and social media – the technologies of modern life have developed an “always on” society.\u00a0 With so many potential distractions competing for our attention these days, the ability to focus has become a precious commodity.
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Do you have a demanding job, endless responsibilities, and just can\u2019t seem to relax? Wouldn\u2019t it be nice if you were able \u201clet go\u201d of the idle worries and concerns that come along with life\u2019s struggles? One way to experience the present moment and be more accepting and open to what life may bring is being more mindful. Mindfulness is the intentional process of paying attention and being aware of our moment-to-moment experiences in a non-judgmental way. It\u2019s about simply acknowledging what may be happening or how we may be feeling at the\u00a0time, without becoming critical or emotionally absorbed in the experience. It allows us to become more aware and focused in everything we are doing without unhealthy attachment and concern.<\/p>\n
We no longer have to go through life on autopilot where we\u2019re bored by mundane tasks and frustrated by minor inconveniences. We can embrace the present moment, develop a\u00a0tranquil attitude, and experience greater satisfaction regardless of what is taking place. Research even reveals that certain mindfulness based practices can enhance well-being.<\/p>\n
Whether we are sitting and formally\u00a0meditating, doing chores around the house, or going for a walk, we can keep our attention on the present moment through focusing on our senses, breathe, or body. Mindfulness can be cultivated through many practices, and one particularly productive meditative intervention is Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). According to an article in the\u00a0Journal of Clinical Psychology<\/em>, MBSR programs have been associated with well-being benefits, and alter brain activity in the left prefrontal cortex, which is associated with positive emotions. MBSR can also increase immune system function, decrease stress hormones, and provide an intervention in\u00a0dealing with chronic pain.<\/p>\n Ways to practice mindfulness<\/strong><\/p>\n Mindfulness sitting meditation.<\/u> Mindfulness of body senations.<\/u> Body scan meditation.<\/u> No matter what you\u2019re doing, whether simple chores or your daily work, remember to stay present and focused through your senses, body, and breath.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" Cell phones, email, 24-hour news, the Internet and social media – the technologies of modern life have developed an “always on” society.\u00a0 With so many potential distractions competing for our attention these days, the ability to focus has become a precious commodity.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":631,"featured_media":13172,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[73,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-staying-healthy","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\nThis involves focusing on the breath as the foundation for retaining attention In mindful breathing we naturally observe our breath. This is a wonderful way to build the skill of mindfulness so it can be incorporated in to everyday life.<\/p>\n
\nMindfulness can also be practiced by being mindful of body sensations, thoughts and emotions, which can all be done through mindfulness sitting meditation. Mindfulness can be cultivated through mindful eating, and mindful movement, such as stretching and using postures that enhance awareness of balance and strength in the body.<\/p>\n
\nThis is \u00a0where we observe any sensations throughout the body from the toes to the head, can be helpful as well. Ultimately, incorporating mindfulness into your everyday life is how this practice can neutralize stress, improve life-satisfaction, and increase well-being. When you intend to focus and pay attention to your inner and external world it helps keep you centered, and more open to momentary experience.<\/p>\n