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Do you take a quick moment from time to time to mentally observe things? Are you mindful of what’s going on? I’m not talking about being in the moment, here and now. Nor am I talking about being focused on what you’re doing. What I’m referring to is simply taking a few seconds to pause and observe. It’s what’s called being mindful or mindfulness. The greatest thing about it is that you can do it while doing something else: walking, working, sitting, eating, gardening, cooking, or just standing or sitting waiting like in a shopping line or waiting to see a doctor. You just mentally pause for a few seconds and observe yourself, how you feel, what thoughts are going through your head, what you’re doing, and what is happening around you and perhaps noticing the weather. The practice of being mindful is so super simple.

Also, it is an easy way to slow your mind down and relax while busy doing something. Doing this randomly throughout your day helps alot with reducing stress. That’s because we are so caught up in what we are so busy trying to accomplish that our minds run multiple thoughts. Things like what to do next, this needs to be done by tomorrow, can’t forget to …, and on and on and on. It can even occur when you’re stuck waiting with nothing to do, and your mind flips through things you would rather be doing than idly waiting and waiting and waiting to be next for whatever it is you’re starting to become impatient with waiting for.

Mostly when we want to slow down and relax we make a point of it by taking time out mentally to be in the moment and appreciate the here and now. During those moments we tend to separate relaxing away from the act of doing things. Most commonly in nature, near woods or water, a flower garden, which is when we usually sit down and possibly work on breathing and reflection. Don’t get me wrong, that is super awesome, it’s great when you can make it a point to be in the moment. However, in reality, it’s sometimes harder to break away for a few minutes, or other times you’re just waiting, not doing anything important or interesting. Being mindful does not require you to stop what you’re doing. Also, even though you can be mindful for as long as you wish, really it usually takes less than 60 to 90 seconds. The other thing is, as much as it is nice to be able to appreciate things when you’re doing something you may not necessarily be enjoying it. Where being mindful on the other hand does not require you to enjoy the moment, as a matter of fact, it’s more important to only observe with no judgment.

Here’s an example of being mindful while doing something and a type of observation. You may mentally eat a fruit from a tree. You have a piece of fruit in your hand, and you look at it observing its color, and texture, giving a smell, taking a taste, and simply observing each aspect of it. You may take a few more seconds and ponder about its journey. Somebody somewhere climbed a tree and brought it down. At some point, it likely got put into a big box. Some person in a truck picks it up, it may even travel by boat from another country, and somehow this perfect piece of fruit made it to you, so you could enjoy its great taste. Boom, a few seconds of observing thought, and before the third bite you’ve already thought about it.

So as you go about the rest of your day, take a few seconds from time to time and just simply pay attention to where you are. Be mindful of what’s going on, and how you feel. Next time you have something to eat take a few seconds and pay attention to what you’re eating and how you like to eat it. Are you using chopsticks, a fork, or a spoon, or sucking it back from a bowl or cup? Do you just dive in with your hands and eat it? If so, is it sticky, soft, or hard, just take notice? Be mentally aware.

Here are a couple of ideas for you to try. During a festive occasion whether it be Christmas, Halloween, Day of the Dead, or even something as simple as a parade, go around and check out the decorations and observe the festivities. After all, people put alot of work into decorations just so you can enjoy them, so go for it. Next time you’re out walking somewhere, use the time to breathe in the air and admire any beauty you see. Here’s an easy one, shut your phone off for 2 minutes and enjoy the peace and quiet. Also, don’t forget you can be mindful even when you’re doing things mundane like cleaning or working on your vehicle at which time you may possibly be observing how certain things get you frustrated or annoyed.

Remember being mindful or mindfulness is just simply pausing and observing whether it be inward, such as thoughts or listening to your own heartbeat, and feelings (positive or negative) or outward as in your surroundings, or just observing what you’re doing. Being mindful for a few seconds is super easy and helps with de-stressing as well.

I hope you find this information helpful, and if you do, don’t forget to click the like button to let us know.

Razz