I’ve been encouraging readers and clients to slow down and pause a little as the New Year kicks in.
Many people struggle to know what to do or how to slow down.
I teach a great technique to clients! I use it a lot myself and in my work.
It requires you to stop, listen and create a moment to pause.
It’s a Mindfulness technique, and I’m giving it to you today.
Mind what?
Have you heard of Mindfulness? It’s an effective way to:
- Reduce stress
- Increase self-awareness
- Enhance emotional intelligence
- Undermine destructive thoughts, feelings and behaviours
Mindfulness is about connecting with yourself and appreciating the fullness of each moment of your life.
Sounds a bit hippy?
Mindfulness has it’s origins in eastern philosophy and certainly is a form of meditation practice.
However, it’s also a profound skill to enhance psychological and emotional resilience and increase life satisfaction.
Definitions of Mindfulness
“Bringing one’s complete attention to the present experience on a moment-to- moment basis.” (Marlatt & Kristeller) “
Paying attention in a particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally” (Kabat-Zinn).
“Consciously bringing awareness to your here-and-now experience, with openness, interest and receptiveness.” (Harris)
The Benefits of Mindfulness
Benefits include:
- – Being better connected with yourself and others.
- – Having more balance and less emotional volatility.
- - Experiencing more calm and peace.
- – Increasing self-acceptance and self-compassion.
- – Being less judgmental.
- – Increasing self-awareness.
- – Reducing negative reactions to unpleasant experiences.
Regular practice using mindfulness to build in a pause in your day enhances and develops several skills. Including:
- Focusing and engaging in what you are doing.
- Allowing thoughts to come and go without getting caught up in them.
- The ability to re-focus quickly when you are distracted.
- Accepting your feelings to be as they are without trying to control them.
What are you waiting for?
Pausing is an active task and can be made easier with some guidance.
It’s time to build a pause into your day.
Make some time now and listen to the track below
