- Saskatoon, SK
June 25, 2024
Mindful Living in a Fast-Pace Technological World
Introduction to Mindfulness
In our fast-paced, technology driven world, the concept of mindful living has emerged as a beacon of tranquility and intentionality. Mindful living rises above mere awareness, embracing a holistic approach that enhances our connection to the present moment, creating a deeper understanding of ourselves and generating a greater appreciation for life. We consciously focus on the here and now, acknowledging our thoughts, emotions and sensations without judgement.
Mindfulness is a meditative awareness that keeps us present focused rather than having our minds and attention bounce all over the place. Being mindful allows us to view our emotions and manage our emotional states in the present. We become less reactionary and more accepting of our emotions, leading to healthier decisions and thus more positive outcomes in our lives.
Mindfulness in its purest form has the following characteristics:
- being fully present to what is happening this moment,
- not going into the past, letting worries about the future evaporate,
- refraining from judging self or others,
- letting emotions and thoughts pass through your consciousness without attaching to them,
- responding to day-to-day life rather than reacting,
- connecting with our core being and inherent wisdom.
Haiku Poem on Mindfulness
“Quieting the mind
Focus on the here and now
Let things be as is”
“Mindfulness means being awake. It means knowing what you are doing.” – Jon Kabat-Zinn
Returning to the Breath
To me mindful living means staying present focused, living moment by moment – the past is done, and the future is not yet here. By observing our thoughts and feelings in a detached manner, we gain clarity and more meaningful perspectives that lead to more thoughtful actions and decisions.
When we experience “mindlessness” in the form of emotional disturbance, we can return to the breath to release fears about the future, as well as regret and sorrow about the past. When we pay attention to our breath, we are learning how to return to, and remain in, the present moment – to anchor ourselves in the here and now with purpose and without judgment.
Haiku Poem on Breath
Mind likes to wander
Concentration and insight
Reduce distractions
“Bliss begins with the breath. We breathe in and accept all that is new. We breathe out and release all that has passed.” – Sara Wiseman
Breathing Mantras (Sacred Sounds)
- “Mind is stable, balanced, and present focused”
- “Body is strong, healthy, and ready to face challenges”
- “Spirit is calm, hopeful and authentic”
- “Heart is open, loving, and compassionate”
- “Speech is true, kind, necessary, and selective”
Real freedom comes from authentic insight and wise intention. Personal suffering is often “self-imposed” when we want things to be different than they really are. Change comes from looking inward for the answers to life’s problems not focusing externally for a distraction or quick solution.
Haiku Poem on Mindful Living
Thoughts enter the mind
Create anxious moments
Return to the breath
“Mindfulness isn’t difficult. We just need to remember to do it.” – Sharon Salzberg
Benefits of Mindful Living
The benefits of mindful living include reduced anxiety and depression; improved mental clarity; enhanced emotional regulation; better physical health; and stronger relationships.
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Chronic stress and anxiety often result from the internal messaging we receive from our negative critical inner voice. Mindfulness helps break the cycle of rumination and worry.
- Improved Mental Clarity: Being mindful contributes to improved thinking and cognitive functions leading to heightened awareness, better problem-solving skills, enhanced creativity, and more effective decision making.
- Enhanced Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness motivates us to observe our emotions without attaching to and being overwhelmed by them. With increased emotional resiliency and stability, we can respond to situations more calmly and thoughtfully.
- Better Physical Health: Studies have shown that mindfulness can lower blood pressure, improve sleep quality, and boost immune function. By reducing stress, mindfulness also contributes to overall physical health and wellbeing.
- Stronger Relationships: Mindfulness stimulates empathy and active listening, which are essential elements of healthy and fulfilling relationships. Being consciously present and enjoying the beauty of life through the five senses, we can improve our communication skills and build deeper interpersonal connections.
Practical Steps to Integrate Mindfulness
You may ask, how do I incorporate mindfulness into my daily life? Becoming comfortable with mindfulness doesn’t require drastic lifestyle changes.
- Mindful Breathing: You can begin with some simple breathing exercises. Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breath – noticing the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. Take a deep breath in through your nose for a count of five, hold for two seconds and then exhale through your nose for a count of seven. Practice five deep breaths when you wake up in the morning or those times during the day when you are feeling anxious or fearful. This practice anchors you to the present moment and provides a sense of calm.
- Mindful Eating: You focus on the taste, texture and aroma of your food. Eat slowly, savoring each bite, and notice how your body feels and what you are thinking as you eat.
- Mindful Walking: You bring to your attention the physical sensations of walking. Notice the ground beneath your feet, the rhythm of your steps, and the sights and sounds around you.
- Body Scan Meditation: This practice involves scanning or being mindful of your body from head to toe, observing areas of tension or discomfort. Doing a body scan, periodically, throughout the day can help you be more in tune with your physical state and help promote relaxation.
- Gratitude Practice: Finally, take time each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for. This practice of gratitude can shift your focus to the things you already have thus fostering a sense of contentment and appreciation. In the proverbial sense, you see your life glass as being “half full not half empty”.
Overcoming Challenges in Mindful Living
While the concept of mindful living may seem easy to grasp, it’s implementation and maintenance can be harder to achieve. Here are some common obstacles and tips to overcome them:
- Distractions: In our technology-driven world, distractions are common and numerous. Therefore, mindfulness practices require you to set aside specific times and places that minimize distractions and interruptions.
- Impatience: You may want immediate results from mindfulness but will need to acknowledge your disappointment and overcome your impatience to recognize that mindfulness is a gradual process and a lifelong journey.
- Judgment: It is easy to be self-critical when practicing mindfulness. Your Ego likes to be in charge and doesn’t like things to be different without its approval. Remember, mindfulness is observing without judgment. Accept your thoughts and feelings as they are, without labelling them good, bad, or neutral.
- Consistency: Like any new habit, consistency is the key to mindful living. It is important to start with small, manageable practices and gradually build them into your daily routine. With practice comes success.
Conclusion
Mindful living is a transformative practice that invites us to slow down, breathe, and fully experience each moment. It is a journey of self-discovery and growth that can profoundly impact and shape our mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. By integrating mindfulness into our daily lives, we can activate a deeper sense of peace, purpose, and fulfillment.
Whether you are new to mindfulness or seeking to deepen your practice, remember that mindful living is about accepting your situation as it “is” and not hoping or wanting it to be different or trying to unduly influence the outcome. Simply put, you need to be able to feel uncomfortable with your experience without becoming defensive or reactive and feeling the need to justify or defend your choices and actions. Slow things down and embrace the “flow of life” – enjoyment comes from the experience not the narrative or story being generated by the mind or “Ego”. Be kind and nonjudgmental to yourself and others.
Each moment offers an opportunity to begin anew, to be present and embrace life with open-hearted curiosity and compassion. So, take a deep breath, let go of distractions – mentally and physically, and step into the beauty of the present moment. This is the essence of mindful living.