The world today is a far cry from the idyllic life that was experienced decades ago. Technology advancements and rapid industrialization have warranted a whole new lifestyle that most people have adapted to over the years. This advancement has spilled into most aspects of our lives including our day to day activities, the way we tackle problems and the way we relax. As such, we need to continuously find ways to cope with the changes and to keep a balance between work and leisure. One way to do that is to foster a culture of mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a therapeutic practice that is based on being aware of and accepting ones thoughts, feelings and desires as they are. It is a kind of conscious and intentional version of meditation that involves focusing on a single thought and being aware of the present moment without judging or worrying about what will happen next.
Mindfulness enables one to be aware of any tensions or tough situations that they may be facing without getting overwhelmed. It teaches us the practice of holding onto positive thoughts while letting go of other, more negative mental states. When we learn to adopt mindfulness, we arm ourselves with a set of methods of dealing with difficult or overwhelming situations that can help us to stay calm and in control.
One key to fostering mindfulness is to be intentional. Whenever we encounter a stressful situation or a challenge, we must take active steps towards calming ourselves. We must recognize the symptoms, such as tension and irritability, and then take active, conscious steps towards countering it. We can do this by taking deep breaths and exhaling slowly, by stretching or engaging in light physical exercise, and by engaging in simple mindfulness exercises.
Mindfulness is also a more permanent practice that can be adopted if we strive to stay mindful throughout our day. This means making an effort to pay attention to the present moment, no matter what we are doing. We can start off by being mindful of our breath and our physical body and then step into the world of our own thoughts. We must stay with whatever thought comes to our minds and be aware of our mental states.
The mindfulness practice doesnt have to be confined to our work lives. We can practice it whenever and wherever we are, as long as we remain actively conscious of it and make a practice of it. We can take breaks for even just a few minutes to focus on our breath or to be still and silent. We can also practice mindfulness while we engage in activities such as reading and even watching a movie.
Ultimately, mindfulness is the practice of being present in the moment and accepting the passes and pains of life without reacting emotionally. It is a way of mastering our own minds, avoiding the problems of worry and stress, and staying calm and pacified in tough situations. It is important to remember that fostering a culture of mindfulness takes practice and commitment. However, with consistency and dedication, we can master the practice and reap the benefits of living with a mindful state of mind.
