Do This Practice to Become More Mindful (guest post by Julie M. Gentile)

Are you mindful? No, really. Do you consider yourself a mindful person?

Mindfulness is a state of being. It’s living and breathing in the present moment and becoming aware of the senses that connect you to the world around you and the sensations within you. It’s paying attention. It’s noticing. It’s observing without judgment. It’s waking up. It’s reawakening.

Try this practice to grow your mindfulness.

Mindfulness begins with becoming aware of the present moment, which is the only moment we really have.

How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation

·       Begin seated on the ground or on a chair or couch. Close your eyes.

·       Observe your breath going in and out through your nostrils.

·       Briefly scan your body by noticing areas of tension—maybe it’s your shoulders or wrists. Maybe it’s your hips or low back. With each exhale, start to relax those areas of tension.

·       Turn your attention to your senses. Notice them one by one.

·       What is your skin touching? Feel the connection of your skin on the ground or chair.

·       What do you hear? An airplane overhead? Crickets chirping? Silence?

·       What do you taste? Is there a taste in your mouth? Did you just eat a meal?

·       What do you smell? Is something roasting in the oven? Did you just apply an essential oil?

·       What do you see? Although your eyes are closed, notice any patterns or colors behind the veil of your eyelids.

·       Just notice. When you’re ready, open your eyes, bringing this same awareness to the rest of your day.

Namaste, my friends.

This article originally appeared on www.juliegtheyogi.com. Reprinted with permission from Julie M. Gentile.