What does this actually mean, though? Most people I know already have a pretty full mind. You know, what with the job, the partner (wife, husband, boyfriend, girlfriend), the kids, the car, the house, the RRSPs, the Christmas shopping (OMG – already?!), the credit cards, the next big project, your performance review, your next test or exam…. and the list goes on. If this is you, then you have already nailed Mindfulness, right?
Consider that our society and culture has slowly created an atmosphere of never ceasing activity. We are on the go all the time, even when we are off work. Consider that our cell phones are connected to everything (the thermostat, your watch, your work, your car, your dog’s chip, your kid’s phone, your yoga schedule, some relaxation technique…) everything! Consider how restful the typical person’s downtime is, which includes TV, Youtube, Texting, Movies, and Facebook. How do you stand a chance at allowing your mind and body to rest, regenerate, and be energized for whatever is next?
What if we look at things differently? What if Mindfulness is actually a skill that is practiced in order to make the mind less full? Now this starts to make a lot more sense! One definition of Mindfulness is bringing your full conscious awareness to the one activity you are presently engaged in, regardless of the situation.
But how?
Meditation. Ooohh! (Do you stop reading now…?) For many, this is a bad word! It means hours of non thinking, non moving, non activity. Please rest assured, this is not the case! Meditation can be as short as 2 minutes. Imagine if you were able to have an intensely focused meditation that lasted 2 -5 minutes. What if by doing a 2 minute meditation 10 times throughout the day, you could completely change your perceptions, your reactions, your body’s physical responses to stimulus, and finally your ability to bring your attention more fully to the activity that you are currently engaged in…Mindfulness!
By having a “less full” mind, we gain all sorts of amazing benefits. Less stress, more focus, better sleep, clearer thinking, better problem solving, better communication, more energy, better mental health, better relationships, and improved overall well-being.
As a Mindfulness Mentor, Robbin will guide and coach you into bringing more mindfulness into your everyday life. You will be provided with tools and techniques that are quick and easy to learn and use.
Robbin is available for individual appointments at Life Therapies, and he will be running a 4 week Mindfulness Training Program starting January 8, 2017.
