Close

What is Mindfulness, really?

HomewritingsWhat is Mindfulness, really?
What is Mindfulness, really?
April 12, 2019 Stephanie
What is Mindfulness, really?
Mindfulness Matters and So Do You

Mindfulness, a practice that can change your life dramatically:

Maybe you have heard of Mindfulness and maybe you have even attempted to live by it. However, it is something that is hard to remain dedicated to due to the pace of everyday life. Mindfulness is really an activity. It’s something that needs to be practiced daily so it can become a “state of mind.” It’s one thing to read a book or attend an inspiring Workshop, but it’s entirely different when it comes to actually creating a life that allows you to live Mindfully, become a deliberate thinker, and align with your true essence and most authentic self. When you make Mindfulness a value, life really begins.

Mindfulness has been defined in many ways, but in essence Mindfulness is a psychological process of bringing one’s attention to experiences occurring in the present moment. It is to be aware of what’s taking place, both internally and externally. Here’s the important part: Mindfulness is to remain present without passing judgment. To be Mindful is to allow yourself to observe your thoughts and feelings without judging them as “positive” or “negative.” It is to also live life in the moment rather than watching life pass you by or waiting for the right moment. To be Mindful is to experience life as it’s happening rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. After all, all you have is now, A C T I V A T E the Present Moment.

Smile if you like to be in control:

I’m smiling and I’m sure you are, too! As human, we like to be in control. It feels good to be in control and it gives a sense of safety and security. It’s always really interesting how humans try to control everything that is external. You know like the weather, the traffic, the taste of coffee, the responses of the boss and loved ones. This typically leads to anxiety, stress, worry, and many other unpleasant feelings.

Humans like to know what’s coming and that makes sense, but you see, humans don’t have that kind of power – at least not yet – but humans do have the power to look inward, gain a deep level of awareness, and create outcomes by using thoughts. While sure, humans are conditioned to respond a certain way to stimuli and triggers, but this also means, humans can be re-wired or re-programmed if willing to put forth the consistent effort and work it requires.

Mindfulness Matters and So Do You:

You matter, you’re worth it, and you deserve to live your best life. Understanding this starts with you. Life is not meant to be spent upset or worried about what you can’t control. Everything you need lives inside of you and if you begin to live Mindfully, you will begin to reap the rewards. It’s never too late or never too soon because all you have is now. Let go of living in the space of “what should have been” and live for what is happening right now in this moment. Here are some benefits of Mindfulness:

  • Stress reduction
  • Increases focus
  • Decreases anxiety
  • Increases immune functioning
  • Enhances mental health
  • Improves relationships
  • More cognitive flexibility
  • Allows for compassion towards self and others
  • Increases emotional regulation and self-control

Mindfulness Myths:

Living a Mindful life can be difficult and challenging, but it is worth it. In fact, being Mindful is the only time a person is actually living. If a person is stuck on “autopilot,” living with no awareness of what’s taking place in the present moment, is that really living? Sounds more like existing, huh? Here are a few myths of Mindfulness:

  • Thinking about nothing
  • Being happy all the time and loving every moment
  • Long periods of passive sitting
  • Living only in the present. Never thinking about the past or future
  • Relaxation
  • Zoning out
  • Practice used when convenient or sometimes

 

Maintaining Mindfulness:

The basic elements of Mindfulness include body awareness, breathing, posture, and relaxation. Here are other ways to be Mindful:

  • Create routines and be consistent
  • Gain self-awareness and integrate awareness into all that you do
  • Accept what is and take accountability
  • Start the morning with an intention
  • Meditate daily
  • Practice gratitude
  • Let go of what no longer serves your highest and best self
  • Forgive yourself and others
  • Avoid judging your experiences, thoughts, and feelings and when you find yourself doing so, stop and observe what you’re doing
  • Disconnect from social media
  • Watch the sun rise and set

Check out Stephanie’s most recent book, Mindful Makeover. Mindful Makeover is a 30-day Workbook and Guide teaching Women how to use the practice of Mindfulness to create the life you desire. The Workbook has been created based off a 4-step formula that includes: Awareness, Acceptance, Accountability, and Action. By the end of the experience, the reader will feel educated, empowered, and elevated and have the skills needed to maintain a Mindful Life.

https://www.amazon.com/Mindful-Makeover-Create-Life-Desire/dp/1790825407/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2P3NJ31UUKGVQ&keywords=mindful+makeover&qid=1554321605&s=books&sprefix=mindful+makeo%2Cstripbooks%2C155&sr=1-1-catcorr

Stephanie Robilio, LCSW
Published Author
Chief Clinical Officer at Agape Behavioral Healthcare

To learn more about Stephanie visit www.stephanierobilio.com and follow her on Instagram @stephanierobilio, Facebook @stephanierobilio, and subscribe to her on YouTube Stephanie Robilio. Find all of Stephanie’s books on Amazon: WellNow, Mindful Makeover, Painted Soul, and Bonafide Spirit. To join real conversations about what it takes to achieve optimal wellness in mind, body, and spirit, check out The Mindful Living Podcast on Spotify.

Embracing the Present Moment:Living in the present moment can be transformative, offering a sense of peace and clarity amidst life’s chaos. When you embrace the present moment, you allow yourself to fully experience life as it unfolds, without being weighed down by regrets of the past or anxieties about the future. This shift in perspective can lead to greater contentment and fulfillment in life.

Cultivating Self-Awareness:

Self-awareness is a fundamental aspect of mindfulness, allowing you to observe your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without judgment. By cultivating self-awareness, you gain insight into your inner workings and patterns of thought, enabling you to make conscious choices aligned with your values and aspirations. Through practices such as meditation and reflection, you can deepen your understanding of yourself and enhance your overall well-being.

Letting Go of Control:

Releasing the need for control can be liberating, freeing you from the burden of trying to dictate outcomes beyond your influence. Instead of resisting the ebb and flow of life, you learn to surrender to the natural rhythms of existence, trusting in the universe’s unfolding. By relinquishing control, you open yourself up to new possibilities and experiences, allowing life to surprise and delight you in unexpected ways.

Navigating Life’s Uncertainties:

Life is inherently uncertain, filled with twists and turns that are beyond our control. In the face of uncertainty, mindfulness offers a guiding light, helping you to navigate life’s challenges with grace and resilience. By staying grounded in the present moment, you can cultivate a sense of inner stability and peace, even amidst life’s storms. With mindfulness as your compass, you can navigate the ever-changing terrain of life with greater ease and confidence.

Exploring the Power of Conscious Breathing:

Conscious breathing is a fundamental practice in mindfulness as it connects us with the present moment and helps cultivate calmness and mental clarity. By paying attention to our breath, we can tune into our body and mind, setting aside the distractions and worries of day-to-day life. Through conscious breathing, we can find a refuge of inner peace even amidst external chaos.

Radical Acceptance:

Radical acceptance is another key principle in mindfulness, involving embracing all of our experiences, both positive and negative, with openness and compassion. Instead of resisting or rejecting what is happening in the present moment, we practice radical acceptance by allowing things to be exactly as they are, without trying to change or control them. This attitude of acceptance frees us from unnecessary suffering and enables us to find greater serenity and balance in our lives.

Cultivating Gratitude:

Gratitude is a transformative practice that invites us to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in our lives, no matter how small. By consciously focusing on the things we are grateful for, we shift our perspective from scarcity to abundance, fostering a sense of contentment and fulfillment. Cultivating gratitude opens our hearts to the richness of life and helps us cultivate a more positive outlook overall.

Embracing Impermanence:

In mindfulness, we recognize and embrace the inherent impermanence of life. Everything is constantly changing, and nothing lasts forever. By acknowledging and accepting the transient nature of all things, we can learn to let go of attachments and cultivate a deeper sense of peace and equanimity. Embracing impermanence allows us to live more fully in the present moment, cherishing each experience as it arises without clinging to the past or grasping for the future.

Developing Self-Compassion:

Self-compassion is an essential aspect of mindfulness, involving treating ourselves with kindness, understanding, and non-judgment. Rather than criticizing or berating ourselves for our perceived shortcomings or mistakes, we offer ourselves the same warmth and care we would extend to a dear friend in need. Developing self-compassion allows us to embrace our humanity with humility and grace, fostering resilience and inner strength.

Exploring the Power of Conscious Breathing:

Conscious breathing is a fundamental practice in mindfulness as it connects us with the present moment and helps cultivate calmness and mental clarity. By paying attention to our breath, we can tune into our body and mind, setting aside the distractions and worries of day-to-day life. Through conscious breathing, we can find a refuge of inner peace even amidst external chaos.

Radical Acceptance:

Radical acceptance is another key principle in mindfulness, involving embracing all of our experiences, both positive and negative, with openness and compassion. Instead of resisting or rejecting what is happening in the present moment, we practice radical acceptance by allowing things to be exactly as they are, without trying to change or control them. This attitude of acceptance frees us from unnecessary suffering and enables us to find greater serenity and balance in our lives.

Cultivating Gratitude:

Gratitude is a transformative practice that invites us to acknowledge and appreciate the blessings in our lives, no matter how small. By consciously focusing on the things we are grateful for, we shift our perspective from scarcity to abundance, fostering a sense of contentment and fulfillment. Cultivating gratitude opens our hearts to the richness of life and helps us cultivate a more positive outlook overall.

Embracing Impermanence:

In mindfulness, we recognize and embrace the inherent impermanence of life. Everything is constantly changing, and nothing lasts forever. By acknowledging and accepting the transient nature of all things, we can learn to let go of attachments and cultivate a deeper sense of peace and equanimity. Embracing impermanence allows us to live more fully in the present moment, cherishing each experience as it arises without clinging to the past or grasping for the future.

Developing Self-Compassion:

Self-compassion is an essential aspect of mindfulness, involving treating ourselves with kindness, understanding, and non-judgment. Rather than criticizing or berating ourselves for our perceived shortcomings or mistakes, we offer ourselves the same warmth and care we would extend to a dear friend in need. Developing self-compassion allows us to embrace our humanity with humility and grace, fostering resilience and inner strength.

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Stephanie Robilio © 2024 All Rights Reserved | License No. and State: 15073 Florida | Created, Managed, and Designed by FCEdge

Instagram - Live Your Healthiest Life Facebook - Live Your Healthiest Life youtube - Live Your Healthiest Life