Let Mindfulness Enhance Your Life Living in the Moment means less stress and more happiness!
We’re going to start this article with a quick, four-question quiz. No studying is required, because it’s about you.
Would you say the following statements are true or false?
1. I never worry about anything.
2. I can think about my past and not remember a single mistake I’ve made or embarrassing moment I’ve had.
3. I know I’ll never experience anything bad in my life.
4. Negative thoughts never enter my mind.
If you had any “True” responses, you’re a rare human being indeed. You must be a totally happy, stress-free person.
But, one of the only creatures we can think of, who are consistently content have four legs, fur, and an amazing sense of smell.
Dogs Have Mastered the Art of Mindfulness
What’s the key to canine happiness? Pet them. Feed them. Take them to the dog park. Dogs keep things simple. They don’t dwell on the past or worry about the future. They don’t agonize over their mistakes. It never occurs to them that an illness or a misfortune might ever come their way. They don’t get embarrassed, nor do they hold grudges. They like everybody. Their secret may be “living in the moment.” Dogs almost always focus on what’s happening right here and now…not in the past or future. That’s what mindfulness is all about.
Mindfulness Meditation Reduces Stress and More
In today’s fast-moving, wired-up, instantly-gratifying world, we can get almost anything and go almost anywhere very quickly. But that doesn’t make us healthier or happier.
Mindfulness meditation actually can. It’s the process of focusing completely on the present moment, rather than thinking about the past, the future, or about things you can’t control.
That sounds much easier than it is. But it’s worth a try because the potential benefits are so great:
- Relieving stress and depression
- Alleviating anxiety and worry
- Countering insomnia and sleeplessnes
- Lowering blood pressure, cholesterol and the risk of heart disease and stroke.
- Increasing productivity, learning and happiness
A Great Option for Seniors
If you’ve got some years under your belt, you’ve most likely developed some aches and pains along the way. Or perhaps you’re experiencing a condition that’s more challenging – one that tends to wear down your patience and make it harder to be your cheerful, positive self.On top of that,life is complicated. There are too many options and distractions preventing us from pursuing inner peace, let alone achieving it. The fact is, most of us have at least some anxiety and stress, which you shouldn’t take lightly: Harvard researchers found that stress and its effects account for up to 60 percent of doctor visits.
No Magic Bullet, But..
All our problems won’t go away if we simply don’t think about them. But we can alleviate them by achieving “mindfulness” via techniques like meditation, yoga, breathing exercises, and body awareness and relaxation exercises like tai chi (balance). Notice that these techniques focus on feeling rather than thinking. Many studies have shown that practicing them can reduce anxiety, depression, insomnia, and a host of other issues.
How to Practice Mindfulness in Your Own Life
Mindfulness meditation doesn’t require a large space, exercise equipment, or a club membership. All it takes to enjoy its benefits are a few minutes of your day, a small exercise mat and a little guidance (a local class or one of the many books and websites that feature mindfulness, meditation, yoga, tai chi and so on.
The rest, as they say, is all in your head.