A few years ago I was at a sort of crossroads with my life. A lot was changing too fast. During such a time of turmoil, I found that living a mindful life made things bearable. It gave me a chance to pause, take things in stride, and then move to action.
Thus began my journey into mindfulness. I am by no means an expert practitioner of this lifestyle. However, in the last six to seven years, I have garnered enough nuggets of wisdom on this topic, which I would love to share with you. A mindful life brings peace, especially during times laden with confusion. And so, if you are looking to explore this lifestyle, please read on to know more!
Related Read: 5 Mindfulness Practices That Actually Reduced My Anxiety
The Benefits of Living a Mindful Life
Now, the internet is full of articles that enumerate the benefits of living a mindful life. And they do a pretty good job too. But if I had to talk about the benefits of living a mindful life, I would chalk it down to the biggest impacts it had on me.
- It has made me less anxious. I can get tensed over everyday things. Additionally, external stimuli like news and social media often take a significant toll on my mental health. But trying to live mindfully allows me space and helps me remain calm in otherwise stressful situations.
- Mindfulness practices have made me patient, ergo, allowing me to become a better mother. I understand that this might not apply to everyone who reads this. But I want to highlight the simple fact that a mindful life can help us become better versions of ourselves.
- And finally, I find that my productivity has increased ever since I started following this lifestyle. Ironically, by giving up the tendency to hustle all the time, I have been able to achieve more than before.
The Impact of Current Times on a Mindful Life
I am the kind of person who gets overwhelmed with things happening around me. Life in the current world is by no means easy. I often find myself quite affected by all that is happening around me.
We are living in a reality where we are constantly bombarded with information and face distractions. These result in stress and anxiety. Another contributing factor is societal pressure to behave a certain way. And lastly, as our lives have become busier, we have drifted away from nature and community in certain ways.
These are just some of the impacts of the modern connected world. Living a mindful life helps me to navigate these aspects tactfully and make the most of them.
How You Can Live a Mindful Life
There are some basic tenets of living a mindful life. Things like meditation, taking purposeful actions, practicing gratitude, and daily reflection through journaling are just some of them.
However, I want to talk about some very specific steps that you can take to practice mindfulness in this current culture of hustle and always being ‘on’. Let’s take a look.
1. Setting Deliberate Limits
Mindfulness starts with setting boundaries and limits that align with our values and well-being. This means consciously deciding how much time and energy we are willing to dedicate to various activities, relationships, and commitments. By setting deliberate limits, we create space for what truly matters to us, reducing stress and overwhelm.
2. Limiting Consumption
Mindful living involves being aware of what we consume, whether it’s food, media, or material possessions. This means being mindful of the quality and quantity of what we intake and avoiding excesses that can lead to dissatisfaction or harm. By limiting consumption, we reduce the clutter in our lives and cultivate a deeper appreciation for what we already have.
3. Becoming Selfish
While it may sound counterintuitive, becoming “selfish” in a mindful context means prioritizing self-care and self-awareness. It’s about recognizing and meeting our own needs before attending to others, and understanding that we cannot pour from an empty cup. By taking care of ourselves first, we become better equipped to show up fully for others in a sustainable way.
Related Read: 8 Effective Ways That Truly Help Calm Your Mind
4. Incorporating Micro Habits of Mindfulness
Mindfulness doesn’t always require lengthy meditation sessions; it can be integrated into our daily lives through small, intentional actions. These micro habits of mindful living could include taking a few deep breaths before starting a task, savoring each bite of our meals, or pausing to notice the sensations in our bodies throughout the day. By incorporating these moments of mindfulness into our routines, we cultivate a greater sense of presence and awareness.
5. Investing in Our Communities
Living a mindful life extends beyond individual practice to encompass how we interact with and support others in our community. Investing in our communities means fostering connections, offering support, and contributing to the well-being of those around us. This could involve volunteering, participating in community events, or simply being present and compassionate in our interactions. By nurturing a sense of belonging and connection, we not only enrich our life but also create a more mindful and compassionate society.
Overcoming Common Obstacles
In a mindful life, overcoming common obstacles requires resilience and compassion towards oneself.
Dealing With Resistance and Skepticism
Approach resistance and skepticism with curiosity rather than judgment. Understand that change takes time and that it’s natural to encounter doubts along the way. Embrace a non-judgmental attitude towards these feelings and gently explore their roots.
Handling Setbacks and Relapses
View setbacks and relapses as opportunities for growth rather than failures. Practice self-compassion and acknowledge that progress is not always linear. Reflect on the lessons learned from setbacks and use them as motivation to continue on the mindful path.
Patience and Perseverance in The Practice of a Mindful Life
Cultivate patience by accepting that mindfulness is a lifelong journey. Be gentle with yourself as you develop the practice, knowing that progress takes time. Stay committed to the practice even during challenging moments, trusting in the transformative power of consistency and perseverance.
Peace.
Do you have any related experience or story to tell? Please share in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.
