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Learning how to practice mindfulness is being thrown around in conversations and articles enough to make us believe it is the latest trend, much as self-care and organic were overused words just a while ago. Although it may be the newest trend, mindfulness should always be a part of our daily routine, whether or not we chose to acknowledge it.
The term to practice mindfulness refers to a state of presence. It’s when we choose to be in the moment rather than living in the past or the future. It sounds simple enough, and yet, most of us are guilty of continually striving to move forward and looking backward without giving the present that much importance. But life is in the present, and you can only enjoy your future goals in the present state, so why wouldn’t you want to live more mindfully?
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Living mindfully is also the answer to a serener and happier state of mind. When you accept the present moment as it is, without resisting the challenges you are currently facing or longing for the moment never to be over, you give yourself the chance to find beauty in the present. Living and learning how to practice mindfulness doesn’t require a set of complicated steps. Still, it’s tricky to remain fully present, especially when you’re so used to wandering about future scenarios or past occurrences.
Four simple ways you can practice mindfulness to remind yourself to lead a mindful life:
1. Consider taking CBD
Mind-altering drugs are not the answer to mindful living, but the non-intoxicating psychoactive CBD can help if you hope to live a serener and more focused life. Researchers have noted the many benefits of this natural compound for several chronic and mental health conditions. This cannabinoid can also work as an eraser, removing unnecessary thoughts and emotions that are troubling you. Once you have a more lucid mindset, where future scenarios aren’t fuelling your anxiety, then you can focus on the present and take things as they come.
Hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3 percent THC come in various forms. You can find high-quality CBD vape juice or edibles such as chocolate or gummies. There are skincare products, soap, balms, oil tinctures, and the list goes on.
2. Learn to meditate
Learning the art of how to practice mindfulness isn’t something that comes naturally for most of us because of our ‘monkey mind,’ which has us jumping from one thought to another. However, Buddhist monks and spiritual teachers have found a way of managing their incessant inner monologue with meditation.
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The daily practice of meditation will not stop you from thinking. However, you will learn how to step back from your thoughts by becoming an observer rather than a reactor to whatever crops up in your mind. As you do so, you’ll find that you react to things more calmly.
Moreover, you will become more selective—mindful—of what you give attention to and what you ignore. This is especially important if you hope to avoid reacting to triggers in your life, such as a challenging person or situation.
3. Do one thing at a time.
For high-functioning, multitasking people, doing one thing at a time sounds like a sin. Yet, if you want to lead a mindful life, consider becoming a failure at multitasking. So if you have your coffee in the morning, then you shouldn’t be browsing through the news feed or rushing to get the kids ready.
In contrast, if you’re with the kids, focus on them rather than thinking about what your schedule looks like for the rest of the day. Avoiding multitasking habits seems like a waste of time for most people. However, once you do one thing at a time, you’ll feel less pressure, you’ll be more focused and present, taking the present moment when you practice mindfulness as it is without rushing towards the next scenario.
4. Take advantage of the tedious activities in your life.
In her book, The Complete Buddhism for Mothers, author Sarah Napthali writes how if you visit Buddhist monasteries, you’ll learn that some of the most tedious chores are left to the oldest and most respected monks in the sanctuary. This is no coincidence, nor is it a sign of disrespect. Buddhists believe that the basest of chores can be opportunities to practice mindfulness. So the next time you’re doing laundry, washing dishes, or working on a tedious task at work, why not take advantage of the boredom to practice mindfulness?
Instead of rushing through the task to get to the more exciting parts of your day, use the time to practice acceptance of the present moment. Learning to do so can be helpful during more challenging life situations such as the current pandemic. Rather than being impatient and hoping for it to be over, why not mull over this extraordinary time in the world and find the simplest things to be grateful for despite the challenges everyone is going through?
Final Thoughts To Practice Mindfulness Daily
Not everyone aspires to lead a mindful life, but we all should. If you want to savor every moment, lead a serene life, and be a light for everyone around you. When you practice mindfulness, it is your best bet of being so. No vacation, career, love, or sum of money can ever give you what a mindful life gives.
