Being In The Moment

At AYWA, we are working on the idea of being in the moment, and paying attention to our environment, thoughts and activities, in a neutral and non-judgemental way - leaning to a positive mindset. 

Mindfulness is a very broad subject, and there are various approaches to practicing mindfulness - mentally, physically and spiritually.  I feel that regardless of the various perspectives, the objective is the same.  Let's take a look at the basics first. 

The Oxford Dictionary translates mindfulness as "a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts and bodily sensations". 

While the Cambridge Dictionary defines mindfulness as "the practice of being aware of your body, the mond, and feelings in the present moment, thought to create a feeling of calm". 

This journal post is inspired by a recent video that I watched on YouTube, by Dr. Tracey Marks on the subject of mindfulness, with 4 ways to practice this into our lives.  Dr. Marks quotes that "mindfulness is simply paying attention to your environment, activities and thoughts in a neutral and non-judgemental way".

The idea of being in the present moment

There are many distractions around us, and I have to admit that I have been a victim of distractions for a long time.   After passionately learning more about mindfulness, I am learning to programme my mind to practice being fully in the moment.  It makes me emotional to realise how distracted we are as a society.  Simple actions like putting the phone down, or parking your thoughts and feelings, and focussing fully on what's around you.  It's like being in the centre of your own moment, in the most humblest way. 

Purposely focus on what is happening at any given moment, and ideally avoid dwelling in the past and overthinking about the future.  This helps us to declutter the mind, because a cluttered mind is a stressed mind.  When you are fully focussed in the moment, in any given moment, you feel so much more clarity and calmness.  

Embrace Your Surroundings

• Observe
• Appreciate 
• Focus
• Be fully present in the moment

Slow Down The Process 

• It helps the mind rest
• Avoids overstimulation
• Promotes better sleep 
• Helps to control your thinking 

4 Ways to Practice Mindfulness 

By Dr. Tracey Marks

1. Be aware of your environment and activities

Be in the present moment and focus. Park any thoughts or feelings that are not related to what you have in front of you.

2. DON'T multitask

Yes - society encourages and praises the idea of multitasking.  With mindfulness, you achieve higher efficiency when you do one thing at a time.  

3. Be intentional with your tasks

Instead of feeling that you just want to get the task done and out of the way.  Focus on what you are doing or feeling, and this way you will complete the task without negativity.  

4. Listen to people when they are talking

Don't think of other 'to-do' lists, or what you're going to say next without letting the person finish speaking. 

Join us in mindfulness 

Of course, I'm only just starting on this journey, and so far it's been so calming and powerful.  Let us all encourage one another to become more mindful in our day to day lives.  I would love to hear your thoughts on this idea, and discuss more thoughts on mindfulness in another journal. 

Stay blessed