Mindfulness is this new buzz word that is showing its face all over the internet. From mindfulness classes to best-selling books, if you really want to be in on the next self-awareness train keep reading!  And keep checking back here because I will be doing a full series of posts on Mindfulness.

First myth busted! It’s not new! It is actually a modern Western practice founded on the Buddhist philosophy, ZEN. Remember the book Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance? So what exactly is it?  Mindfulness is the ability to be fully present in the moment. It means you are truly aware of your thoughts, emotions, and reactions to what is happening around you at the moment!  It is the practice of focusing your mind on whatever you are experiencing in the present.

It is the ability to stop running on remote control. Not to mention quieting all that “monkey mind” chatter in your brain.

Example. Have you ever rushed through your own house and hit your elbow on a wall? Now you know this wall! You live in your house and walk through those halls every day.  But this time, you were in such a rush to get to the NEXT room that you were mindless as to where you were going.  Now you are holding your arm, shaking your head and saying out loud, “Really?  Did I just do that? That was stupid.”  It wasn’t stupid. It was mindless.  If you had been MINDFUL you would know you were in a rush and been aware of what was around you as you got to your desired destination. And your elbow would feel a helluva lot better.

I know this because I just did this. After spending the morning giving a Mindfulness Workshop for Writers I walked right into my own wall. And I promise you the pain in my elbow dragged me right into the present.

So why should I practice Mindfulness?

• It brings down your stress… not to mention your blood pressure
• It allows you to become fully aware of your emotions in the moment
• It helps you with tools to handle depression or anxiety
• It gives you the opportunity to breathe, think and make better choices
• It takes you out of your defensive space and helps you to communicate your true feelings to those around you
• It helps your creativity by centering your consciousness and allowing your creative spirit to flow
• It brings down the pain in your body with breath and awareness to what needs attention
• By staying in the moment you can actually reach all of the smaller goals you have that can lead you to your larger success.

And on and on and on!

Anyone who knows me… has read my book, sat in workshops with me, knows that Self Awareness is my favorite path to growth. Actually, I believe, the only path to growth. When you practice mindfulness it is the action that leads to the outcome of self-awareness. When you bring your consciousness to the present you can become SELF AWARE of your thoughts, feelings, desires and biggest dreams.

So take a deep breath. Exhale all the past and future out. Look around you. Take in the sights and sounds. Let go of the next shoulds, musts, have to’s in your day and enjoy the moment you are in.

Then check back here for more posts on Mindfulness!

Here are a few great books by a few of the fathers of Western Mindfulness if you want to start your practice now!

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 Mindfulness for Beginners: Reclaiming the Present Moment and Your Life(Book & CD)) The Miracle of Mindfulness, Gift Edition: An Introduction to the Practice of Meditation Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry into Values Robert M. Pirsig