Mindfulness 101: how to be more present
Mindfulness is about engaging the five senses to fully immerse yourself in the present moment. It's not complicated or time-consuming, but a simple yet powerful way to enhance your daily life.
Here's a practical guide to get you started on your mindfulness journey to be more present, engaged in the moment, and aware of your thoughts and feelings without distraction or judgment:
1. But first, breathe: Begin by taking a few moments each day to pay attention to your breath. Close your eyes, inhale deeply, and exhale slowly. Focus on the rise and fall of your chest or the sensation of the breath passing through your nostrils. This simple exercise helps anchor you in the present moment.
2. Taste: When you sit down for a meal, put away distractions like your phone or TV. Instead, concentrate on your food. Savour the flavours, notice the textures and appreciate each bite. You'll find that you not only enjoy your meals more but also feel satisfied more quickly.
3. Hear and Touch: Nature is a perfect place for mindfulness. When you're outdoors, focus on the details of your environment. Notice the colours of the leaves, the sounds of birds, or the feeling of the breeze on your skin. Nature's beauty is a serene reminder to be present.
4. Move and Look: Transform your daily walks into a mindfulness exercise. Feel each step as it connects with the ground. Pay attention to your surroundings—the trees, the sky, and even the sensation of the earth beneath your feet. Walking mindfully allows you to be fully engaged in the act of moving.
YOUR REMINDER -
Try this today: a "five senses check-in" - pay attention to what you can see, hear, touch, smell, and taste at that very moment. Engaging your senses brings you into the now and helps you appreciate the richness of your surroundings.
We hope these tips will help you to create your own Daily Rituals for self care. Need more inspiration? Follow @embodyme_daily or sign up The Weekly for more on curating precious moments for you each week.