I think of March as spring cleaning for mind, body and spirit. As nature changes with the change of seasons, we are in a state of renewal. If you’re bored of your current routine or have been struggling to keep it, it’s time to shake things up!
While mindfulness can take on forms of meditation, it can also be so much more than that. Mindfulness is the ability to be present in the moment and aware of everything around us. You can be mindful while your body’s going through the motions of running, playing with your furry friend at the dog park, during your work commute or even when getting dressed.
Mindfulness is often overlooked due to busy schedules, stress and our constant attention to electronic devices. We’re being busy out of habit when we should be concentrating on living in the here + now.
Try these 10 mindful acts to be more present in March:
- Be present in the moment: Slow life down by focusing more on breathing and your surroundings. Maybe take 5-10 minutes each day and do nothing!
- Practice non-judgement: Try to release each judgement as it comes and move on. This applies to judging others and yourself.
- Focus on the positive: Try to see the positive in every scenario and look past the negatives. Be an encourager, not a discourager.
- Practice pleasure & happiness: Some people say we choose happiness and that it can be contagious. (Try to laugh/smile more and see what happens.)
- Eat with mindfulness: Be mindful of what you are eating and how you are eating it. Slow down, enjoy each bite and truly appreciate the act of nourishing your body. Food = fuel.
- Listen intentionally (this is so important!): Most times when we’re engaged in conversation, we’re not actually listening. If someone is talking to you, give them the attention they deserve – no more multitasking. Do this and your relationships are sure to be improved.
- Practice being grateful: Think of things that you are grateful for throughout the day and make a conscious effort to pay it forward when possible.
- Say yes and take more chances: Step outside your comfort zone and be more adventurous. Try anti gravity or float meditation.
- Be kind to others: Don’t make everything about yourself. You never know what someone else is going through. Being kind and generous to others can be more joyful than doing things for ourselves.
- Celebrate renewal: Start fresh, spring clean, get a new look, try meditating, switch up your ClassPass schedule or all the above! The amazing thing about life is that it is never too late to reinvent yourself.
You can also contribute to #MindfulMarch by supporting Love Your Brain. Every dollar raised will help grow the foundation’s flagship yoga program, which enables traumatic brain injury survivors to participate in affordable yoga and meditation classes tailored to their needs. Click here to find a donation based class in your state.
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