Mindfulness is a conscious state of being present with our external and internal experience of things, without judgement... It is a way of relating to and interacting with life with the essence of our whole being. It is a way of being that brings forth acceptance of each moment “as is”, without needing for it to be different.

At times people can confuse this with not taking action, when action or change is needed. In my counselling practice, people often say “if I accept the moment ‘as is’ then I will have no need to change the circumstances of my life” In fact, it is only when we are fully present to each moment and accepting of it on a deep level of spirit, that inspired action can emerge. Action that comes from the creative, loving essence of who we are... action that preserves the reverence of yourself, others and the life energy in all that is. It will be action that is in line with the highest goodness of ourselves, and with the highest goodness for others.

So how do we be mindful? How do we invite mindfulness into our lives? How do we actually put it into practice? 

Begin by paying attention to what you hear, feel, see, smell and taste. From the moment you awaken in the morning, before you open your eyes, pay attention to what you hear. Is it the sound of birds outside your window? Is it the hum of your heater? Is it a partner snoring? Is it your children whispering outside your door? Is it simply the sound of your own breath? Just pay attention and if judgement comes in the form of thoughts, then simply put your attention on that. Hmmmm.... there are judgemental thoughts in the mind... the mind is saying “darn that snoring!”. Behind the judgemental thoughts that your mind is creating is just you, paying attention, being the witness to the thoughts, without judgement.

Pay attention to what you feel. Are your covers warm, soft, cool or rough? Is your hair on your face? Are you touching the body of someone next to you? Put your attention on that...

Pay attention to what you smell. Is it coffee already brewing in the kitchen? Is it flowers on your bedside table? Is it your dog? Is it the smell of your partner’s breath?

Pay attention to what you taste. Is it last night’s glass of wine? Is it toothpaste? If it is a bad taste, put your attention on that. If judgemental thoughts arise, put your attention on that, softly with blurred edges...

Slowly open your eyes and look around you. You may actually realise that you have never really seen the ceiling, the bookshelves, the window, that picture on the wall... Look at those things with a curious mind, a child’s eyes, as if seeing them for the first time... You may be astounded by their beauty...

Pay attention to your internal state of feeling. What are you feeling in your body? Anxiousness? Dread? Joy? Fear? Excitement? Where in your body are you feeling it? Is there a tightness in your chest? Is your heart pounding? Is there a pressure in your head? Remember, thoughts live in our mind, feelings in our body. Allow yourself to put your attention on the energy of emotion in your body... Be with these feelings in your body without judgement...

Although mindfulness can entail setting aside formal time to engage in this practice on a daily basis, it is actually a way of being in our lives on a moment by moment basis. I think it is a good idea to set aside some time each day to engage in the practice of mindfulness, while keeping in mind that it is not just a practice, it is a way of being...