Be mindful…for the sake of YOU.

Let me ask you something: When was the last time you felt fully present?

Like…really, truly, fully present?

Not sure how to tell if you are? Lets practice:

How does your body feel right now. Are you thirsty? Is your body tired? Are you clenching your jaw? Relax the facial expression on your face/in your forehead. Are you breathing effectively (inhale through your nose, feeling your lungs expand, and exhale with your mouth)?

Stop reading. Repeat. Come back when you are done.

I find myself often asking my clients how often they feel present. It’s truly very easy to get wrapped up in the daily busy schedule and routine, doing one thing after another, until it’s time for bed. Again, and again, day after day. I find myself hearing about difficulty with falling and staying asleep because our thoughts are racing and anxiety is increasing before bed.

Why does it do that?
Well, you’re finally in a space where you can shut down your apps, and your brain has some free headspace to finally process the day/week.

How can we start to fix this problem?
Hate to break it to you…daily mindfulness. Start slow and small. See how you feel. Process and repeat.

What is mindfulness?
*Going on a walk, without your phone actively in your vision.
-Pay attention to the sky and the clouds, what do you see?
-What is the temperature outside? Does it feel different on different parts of your body.
-What does the fresh air smell like around you?
-What can you hear? Cars, birds, leaves blowing in the wind.
-What does the wind feel like against your face?
-What colors are around you?

*Eating a snack, without a television (or your phone) actively in your vision.
-What is the texture of the snack you chose? Examine with your eyes.
-What does this item weigh? Place it in your hand.
-Is the item one temperature, or does it feel different in other areas?
-What does the item smell like?
-What does the item taste like against your tongue and teeth?

*Going to sleep, with your screens actively out of sight for at least 20 minutes.
-Allow your body weight to sink into your bed or couch, feeling the weight of the surface around you.
-Slowly imagining your body, starting with your toes, sinking into the cushion. Allowing your energy and light to dim, recognizing it is time for rest.
-Moving slowing up from you toes: ball of your foot, arch of your foot, heel of your foot, calves, etc.
-Recognizing tension in each muscle and allowing it to relax and melt into your cushions.
-Focusing on your breath becoming slow and relaxed.

This might feel like a lot.

You might feel uncomfortable starting out.

Give it time. Keep trying. You’ve got this. Peace is possible.

Reach out, let’s talk about the hard parts and practice these together.