Did you know, mindfulness is a superpower we all have built within our souls ready to be tapped into whenever we need? With regular practice, being mindful will become second nature.

Now don't get me wrong, this won't make you become the next guru and spend the rest of your life preaching peace, love, and happiness. Nor does it mean you won't experience anger, but rather to become more thoughtful in your response to situations arising. It is during a challenge that we are truly tested, and by being aware of our feelings and emotion we can decide how to react.

A good place to start is with the understanding of mindfulness and how this links to meditation. 

Mindfulness unpacked

What does it mean to be mindful? Mindfulness is the ability to be completely aware of your feelings, thoughts, body sensations, and physical surroundings. To be able to view this through a non-judgmental lens, free from criticism. By tuning in to all our senses, this is present moment awareness. Recognition in its truest form. 

By practicing this moment-to-moment awareness, we teach our minds to become in-tuned with the now, rather than replaying the past or feeling overwhelmed by the future.

When I unscrambling my thoughts, I picture a blank canvas in front of me with my thoughts all jumbled in a ball. Then layer by layer I start peeling from this ball.

Harnessing your superpower Mindfulness

Where do I start? By maintaining daily habits such as those provided below and you'll soon be on your journey to experiencing present moment awareness.

Now let's Unscramble the mind

Breathing always comes first. Take a deep inhale, followed by a long, full exhale. Observe the cool air as it brushes your upper lip on inhalation. Feel your chest expand, the rise of your belly button as your diaphragm expands. Then on the exhalation, noticing how your belly sinks. Pay attention to the air passing out of your mouth, and how this air is much warmer.

When I unscrambling my thoughts, I picture a blank canvas in front of me with my thoughts all jumbled in a ball. Then layer by layer I start peeling from this ball.

Your Body Scan

Already by noticing your breathing, you are performing a mini body scan. Next would be to scan the rest of the body, working from your toes up to your head. 

Start by noticing your toes, give them a wiggle to bring awareness to them. Then rotate your ankles, circle both ankles clockwise, then anti-clockwise. Now focusing on your calves, knees then thighs. Now move your awareness further up your body, noticing your glutes and pelvis. Taping into the feeling of your lower, middle then upper back. Observing your abdomen, chest, and sternum. 

Scrunching your shoulders up to your ears, then as you release them, feel the lightness flow. Notice your neck muscle, are they relaxed? 

Now take your attention to your head, your face. Tighten all the muscles on your face before you release it. Are you frowning? Relax your forehead. Notice if you are holding tension in your jaw. 

Again, take a deep inhale, followed by a long, full exhale. 

Mmmmmm....

On your journey experiencing mindfulness...

Habits to adopt on your journey to Mindfulness

• Pay attention to your breathing, friends, this is the key!!
• Notice the world around you, use all five senses. 
• Live in the moment. Be fully engaged in whatever you are doing at that moment. Practice performing a body scan. 
• Acceptance: awareness of your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. You are in control of your actions.

Mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, go on and give it a try :)

Watch my blog updates for Part 2 :)