Miyajima Island, Japan | March 2016
WHY MINDFULNESS?
A quick Google search states mindfulness as "the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us | (source)."
This definition hits home for I am the biggest worrywart and overthinker I know. I often get consumed by the what ifs, the fears, the inevitables... which leaves me mentally drained and demotivated. I am a highly self-motivated person and I would like to believe that I'm pretty good in living out the positive thinking philosophy BUT I am also my biggest critic; I tend to to be too hard on myself.
The worrying is also a hindrance in helping me focus on the NOW -- to breathe, relax, do everything I can now, and leave the rest for the next days. Since worrying makes me restless, instead of being productive, I would rather be lazy and do mindless things (e.g. excessive fangirling and social media browsing)... which is definitely not good if I want to create more progress with my goals.
This 2017, I want to be be more focused and to appreciate the NOW more -- to live in the moment, take everything in, make most of every minute, and be more aware. To also further counter "being overwhelmed by what's going on around us (me)", here's to never losing sight of the big picture and to paying attention to the essentials. The statement below will also serve as my reminder to be mindful as often as possible:
Nami Island, South Korea | April 2016
Do not overthink. Breathe, live in the moment and just do whatever it is need you to do :) NOW is where the action is and NOW needs your full, undivided attention ;) Be grateful that NOW is here!
Hopefully (although I'm not really doubting it!), practicing mindfulness can help me be more productive, positive and of course, present!
HOW CAN I BE MORE MINDFUL?
How can I actually apply mindfulness in my life? Right now, I'm still developing the habits that will pave way to a more mindful me. Here are some of concrete things I am already doing:
- Creating morning and evening mindful ritualsI shall have a separate blog entry for this but these are just intentional actions at the start and at the end of the day which help be more in tune with what's around me. Some of these rituals include stretching, drinking coffee/tea, and praying.
- Documenting my everyday lifeA part of being mindful is being more aware and accepting of one's feelings. Everyone has varying ways on how they express their feelings; for me, I write about it. One of my goals this year is to update my Dayre account every day. In my Dayre, I write about my current feelings, worries, and anything about my everyday (mundane) life. I like doing this as well because as a memory hoarder, I love documenting my experiences! :)
- Closing my eyes, erasing all thoughts, and just breathing in & out for around 10 seconds
I do this at random times of the day, more often when I feel overwhelmed by what's going on around me. It's something like meditating and it helps me F O C U S and calm my nerves.
I'm sure this list will grow as the days go by. Right now, I'm just happy because I found the right theme for my 2017 - the theme that I want AND need. I've had a lot of down moments these past few days/weeks and being mindful definitely helped me feel better :)
How about you? What's your theme this year? :)
