Sometimes we get so wrapped in our routines and lives that we forget to really be present and find joy in the simple moments. We’re always busy doing something, constantly on the move. In this day-and-age unfortunately it’s hard to escape that. Despite having busy lives, we’re still always able to find our presence amidst all of it. No matter what we’re doing, no matter how complicated our lives may get, we are always able to find that simple clarity again.
I think a lot of the time we tend to associate mindfulness with the practice of sitting meditation – generally something we consider separate from our daily routine or maybe a means of escaping the chaos of our hectic lives. Really, mindfulness is the act of maintaining that presence and that same idea we practice in meditation, but incorporating it into every other aspect of our lives.
That’s the amazing part about mindfulness – it truly encompasses everything else, and it’s something we can use not only every day but in every moment. Meditation shouldn’t be a means of escaping from that chaos, but a sort of entryway into overall awareness throughout our day.
Being mindful just means being aware, being present, being here. So whether we’re working out, doing dishes, eating dinner, driving, doing office work, or just hanging out, we can always be mindful.
So much of the time we’re just trying to rush through everything, or get things done as quickly as possible so we can get to the things we really want to be doing in our lives. We get so used to this that we don’t realize how much we’re missing out on our lives and losing out on opportunities. We forget that we can enjoy our lives and be present all the time, not just in the fun or relaxing moments.
Establishing Presence in Our Daily Routines
We are capable of finding awareness of what we are doing and of exactly where we are all the time. When we’re eating a meal, we can learn to truly slow down and enjoy it. Something’s wrong when we start to rush meals and don’t take the time to really enjoy our food. Let’s start to really think about the food we’re eating and where it came from. Let’s learn to really appreciate that food and its ability to nourish our body. It’s a good practice to eat meals slowly and really be aware of each bite we take, rather than just shoveling food down thoughtlessly.
When we’re folding laundry, let’s slow down and use care. Let’s use this as an opportunity to be present. Our chores don’t have to be chores if we learn how to look at them a little differently. We can find enjoyment in these tasks and appreciate the things we have.
When we’re working or studying and feeling overwhelmed, let’s remember why we’re doing it. Let’s remember our purpose. Let’s take a minute to breath and re-connect. It doesn’t just have to be something we need to “get over with” so we can get to the good things.
Obstacles Become Chances for us to Connect
In our lives, there will always be obstacles and barriers we’ll have to overcome. There will be challenges and things that don’t come easy to us. We’re going to go through struggles. It’s not always going to be sunshine and rainbows. When these types of challenges arise – whether physical or mental – we can allow them to become an opportunity to develop and grow. We don’t have to dread these moments.
We can see them as a chance to develop new skills, to build new relationships, to change our perspective, to try things we might not have otherwise tried. By being mindful and open in these moments, we become susceptible to positive growth.
Relax and Come Back to the Moment
No matter how stressed or overworked we may feel, we always know we can come back to this mindfulness. We can breathe, take a moment to relax, and remember to be in that moment wholeheartedly. Even if we feel completely overwhelmed, we know that feeling isn’t going to last forever. Even if it’s a tough or a painful time, we can recognize where we are. We can be okay with that confusion or struggle, and realize it isn’t going to exist forever.
We can come back to the simple awareness of our life and realize the overall purpose for whatever it is that we are doing. In doing so, we practice mindfulness. We are simply aware of where we’re at, what we’re doing, and why we’re doing it. We can take a break if we need to, we don’t need to keep pushing ourselves.
We have the chance to be here, to be mindful, to be alive every single moment. Let’s remember that.
Making Mindful 