Be Mindful

Throughout my life, I’ve heard the phrase “be mindful” countless times, but what does it mean to be mindful? Imagine observing the flow of a river, acknowledge each ripple and wave as it passes by—that is the essence of mindfulness. You are simply observing the river and paying attention to its behavior, not attempting to alter its course or manipulate the flow. Just watching the river and embracing it for what it is. 

Mindfulness is the art of living in the now, paying attention to your inner and outer experiences without worrying about the outcome. It’s about being aware and embracing our reality as it is and moving on. Amidst the chaos, mindfulness allows us to find a calm center, a place where we can breathe, observe, and respond with intention and grace. Just as a sloth moves through the trees with deliberate and thoughtful action, we too can navigate our lives with a similar sense of purpose and calm.

Mindfulness is more than just a practice—it’s a guide for living. Every action is an opportunity to be present and act with explicit intent. Life unfolds like a hike through the forest, each path leads to a different outcome. Mindfulness acts as our field guide towards the life we envision. It’s not about controlling where we go, but embracing where we are in life, even if it may not align with our desires. 

Now that we understand the what and why of being mindful, let’s explore the when. Instead of aiming for continuous awareness, let’s begin by concentrating on the areas where mindfulness can make the most difference. We can divide it into four interconnected realms: physical, emotional, mental, and digital. Lets take a look at what each of these areas are and then look at some tip for practicing mindfulness within these realms.

Embrace the art of being present through physical awareness. Tune your body’s cues and engage in activities that keep you grounded in the moment. From feeling the ground under your feet, savoring the flavor of every bite of your meal, to noticing the rhythm of your breath, it keeps you anchored to the present.

“The body benefits from movement, the mind benefits from stillness.”

Sakyon Mipham

Observe your feelings with compassion and without judgement, recognize your emotion and accept them. Sometimes, “it’s ok not to be ok,” but you need to understand the nature of your emotions and own them. This practice will make you more emotionally resilient and give you a deeper connection to yourself.

“Feelings come and go like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.” 

Thich Nhat Hanh

The mind is a thunderstorm of thoughts, and in order achieve clarity we must focus on the present moment. Gently guide your attention back when your mind wanders and create a space of awareness where thoughts can pass like clouds in the sky.

“The best way to capture moments is to pay attention. This is how we cultivate mindfulness.”

Jon Kabat-Zinn

Devices like mobile phones, tablets, and television can be fun and useful, but we need to be mindful of how much and when we use them. A deliberate approach to using technology can help us avoid being overwhelmed by it. Remember to make time to unplug from technology and engage with the world around you.

“Technology is a useful servant but a dangerous master.” 

Christian Lous Lange

When we practice mindfulness in these areas, we can live more intentionally and consciously. By being aware of our actions and reactions, we can make ourselves and others happier. Through these simple practices, we can start to release ourselves from the trivial troubles of everyday life. We often forget the main goals of life because of the minor distractions. Look at the ocean’s big waves, instead of getting distracted by the beach’s tiny grains of sand. Be an active participant in your life and look at the action, words and moves you make. What areas of your life do you find being mindful the most challenging and what do you think you can do to create a more peaceful and present life? I would love to hear some feedback on how you practice mindfulness. Share your favorite practices, challenges and insights in the comments or on social media.