It feels like work trying to be mindful, how do I know if I am?
Mindfulness is a state of mind and it is individual to you but it does have certain qualities you can look for.
And sometimes it’s easier to explain what you should NOT feel instead of what you should. We will start with that first.
If you are thinking and analyzing you are not mindful.
If you are judging what you are experiencing you’re not mindful.
Mindfulness is a state of NON-JUDGEMENTAL Awareness.
Your mind can’t do two things at once so either you are thinking or being Mindful.
When you are present you’re in the moment experiencing it in a focused way. You are attentive to what you are doing. You see a flower that is beautiful and you stare at it.
Lastly, you tend to be curious. What I like to call a “sense of childlike wonder”.
Like when you see a beautiful sunset or have a tender moment with somebody you love you are just captivated by your senses.
In some cases, it’s like when you see something you have never seen before. I remember ( showing my age) when we got our first microwave. I remember just staring at it with my mouth open.
This is why exploring new things is good..it takes you into the present moment to experience them.
So, those are a few ways you can tell if you are being mindful.
Keep shifting into mindfulness, keep experiencing it, and above all be gentle with yourself as you enjoy the simple moments of mindfulness.
So, let me know how you feel when you are mindful.
Take a deep breath in and exhale.
So, before I go, listen closely and remember this ONE thing.
Your future is a thought, your past has passed, but your now is always here.
Be mindful-one minute at a time.
Hugs Cheryl
Resources & Links Mentioned:
- A simple way to start a mindfulness practice
- Enjoy a cup of coffee, mindfully
- Consider Mindful Coaching Now
