Living mindfully

There's much out there about mindfulness at the moment. And rightfully so, it feels like an age old idea who's time has come. In this part of the world. So many places have already got it entrenched as a part of their spiritual practice but we're catching up. Thankfully, because in this crazy, fast paced, no time for anybody lifestyle I think something may need to change. To shift and adapt before something breaks.

Like any idea there are many facets to it and I practice a form of mindfulness called Focussed mindfulness. It works best on a one to one session and really is very effective in helping us confront old fears that keep us trapped, helping us open our hearts again to life, love and potential again.

Here though, I wanted to share a few ideas around how we can all incorporate more mindful moments into our day. I'm really bad at formal meditating. And I plan to challenge myself on that one and to sit with Isla and do one of my kids meditations each day. But these I find different, meditative in their own way and easy to incorporate into our lives. Here goes with a few ideas:

Keep a gratitude journal. Or write 3 things daily you're grateful for. Do a morning mind dump where you just write unconsciously for 10-15 minutes and get all the stuff that's going round n round out. Discover mindful breathing, body scan meditations, practice mindful eating. Say a prayer of thanks for your food and consider all the work that's gone into getting it to your plate. Take part in the #100happydays challenge on twitter, Facebook or just by yourself. Write a list of things you're good at. Write a list of things you'd like to be good at, pick one and master it. Go out in nature. Stand and hug a tree (this is one of my favourites and always has a gorgeously grounding effect on me). Run, even if only a short way. Stand on the top of a hill, arms outstretched and turn your face to the sun. Hug someone and don't let go for 30 seconds. Laugh. Watch the sun set. Watch the sun rise. Have a breakfast picnic. Be. Just be.

With so much love, Em xxx