How to be mindful and present, and still find time to go to work
Over the past few years, I've been falling deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole of how our spiritual selves are in conflict with the construct of modern society. I've been fortunate to have a few moments of clarity, if you will, found ways to raise my vibrations and challenge my perspective, but it takes work. It's a constant struggle actually, because the realities of working and surviving in modern society are such that your attention is always at risk of being siphoned away from you by frivolities, drudgery, or propaganda.
Leading a more mindful life can be a challenging, but rewarding pursuit, particularly in the face of the many stressors and distractions of modern living. An essential pursuit really. Especially, as we find ourselves in the post Covid world facing a new pandemic of stress and burnout and exhaustion. Here are a few tips that I've found helpful for incorporating mindfulness into your daily life:
Practice mindfulness:
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment in a non-judgmental way. You can incorporate mindfulness into your daily life by taking a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, pay attention to your surroundings, and notice your thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. This can help you feel more present and centered, even in the midst of hectic modern living.
Try meditation
You can also try mindfulness meditation, which is a simple and effective way to cultivate mindfulness. It involves sitting in a comfortable position and focusing your attention on your breath, thoughts, or physical sensations. Try setting aside a few minutes each day to practice mindfulness meditation, and gradually increase the length of your practice as you become more comfortable. There are tons of YouTube videos that offer guided mediations as you learn how to meditate on your own. Though, I've heard it said that these aren't meditations so much as they are hypnosis sessions. So that's something to be aware of.
Pay attention to your thoughts and emotions:
Paying attention to your thoughts and emotions can help you to become more aware of your mental and emotional states, and to develop greater self-awareness. Try to notice your thoughts and feelings as they arise, without judging or reacting to them. Remember that you are the observer of the thoughts, not the thoughts themselves. Thoughts, and the language that makes up those thoughts, are mostly just a complex collection of other peoples words that have been stirred into your mind throughout your life until they sound and feel like your own. Like a soup.
Practice gratitude:
Focusing on what you are grateful for can help to shift your perspective and increase your sense of well-being. Try starting a gratitude journal or sharing your gratitude with others. This is a big one. It's very helpful, even if you just stop for a moment to think to yourself that you are grateful. I found writing it down in a journal left me feeling pressured to come up with something new to be grateful for everyday. But sometimes it is the same few things or people every day. And that's okay. Just whisper it to the wind if you prefer.
Engage in activities that promote mindfulness:
Engaging in activities that require focus and presence, such as yoga, gardening, or art, can help to cultivate mindfulness. Find activities that bring you joy and allow you to be fully present in the moment. For some people it's doing the dishes. There's something about standing in front of a sink full of warm, soapy water and washing each dish by hand that can pull you into the present and relax your mind. Find what works for you.
Take breaks from technology:
Easier said than done, but technology can be a major source of stress and distraction. It addles the mind. Try setting aside specific times each day to disconnect from technology and engage in activities that allow you to be fully present. I was reading an article the other day that said the human attention span is only about 7 seconds now. We have technology to thank for that.
Connect with nature:
Research has shown that spending time in nature can have a range of positive effects on physical and mental health, including reducing stress and improving mood. Try to incorporate more nature into your life by going for walks in a local park, gardening, or spending time in natural surroundings. Try Forest bathing. Sitting in the garden. Swimming. Sticking your feet in the sand. Whatever you enjoy and have access to.
Slow down:
It can be easy to get caught up in the fast pace of modern living, but taking time to slow down and simplify can help you feel more grounded and present. Try setting aside time each day to do something relaxing, such as reading a book, meditating, or taking a bath. And try to remember that a lot of the fast-paced feelings that we have are self-induced. It's death by to-do list. Cut out what doesn't need to be done, delegate where you can, and carve out some time for yourself to be at peace and enjoy your life.
Take care of your physical and mental health:
Maintaining good physical and mental health is important for managing stress and living a balanced, mindful life. Make sure to get enough sleep, eat a healthy diet, and engage in regular physical activity. It can also be helpful to find ways to manage stress, such as through relaxation techniques like deep breathing or the meditation practices above.
Seek out supportive relationships:
Having supportive relationships with friends and loved ones can help you feel more grounded and connected, even in the midst of hectic modern living. Make time to connect with the people you care about and nurture your relationships.
Remember that mindfulness is a skill that takes time and practice to develop, but it doesn't need to take up your whole day. You can work in moments for yourself whenever and where ever you can. It doesn't have to be picture-perfect like all the stuff you see on Instagram. Just be patient with yourself and try to approach your mindfulness practice with a sense of curiosity and openness. Try everything on this list. Try them along, or in combination with each other. Try crystals. Try tea. Try anything and everything that makes you feel at peace with yourself and with the world around you. And remember, no one has it all figured out. It's a process.