Living in such a busy world, we tend to forget to live in the moment. We cruise through each day on autopilot, unaware of our surroundings and ourselves. Without us even realizing it, life becomes mundane, chaotic, and uninspired. Our purpose seems unclear and our thoughts and energy flat as our minds are overcome with negative feelings. We might have lost ourselves and not even know it.
This feeling comes from a state of unbalance, but fortunately, this condition doesn’t have to be everlasting. The best cure for this unpleasant sense of imbalance is practicing mindfulness. Mindfulness is the ability to pay attention to the present moment with curiosity and without judgment. To be mindful, we direct our attention to our own experiences while gaining insightful perspective. By being mindful and slowing down, we acknowledge the little joys in life and live each day intentionally, full of love, acceptance, and compassion.
The art of being mindful is a Buddhist practice dating back to the 6th century. For Buddhists, the sole purpose of mindfulness is knowing the mind, training the mind, and freeing the mind. It’s a journey of self-discovery and acceptance that leads to a more balanced body, freeing the heart and mind completely. This practice not only promotes peace and harmony but also is highly beneficial to overall health. Studies have demonstrated that practicing mindfulness, especially meditation, increases subjects’ immunity. Furthermore, mindfulness has been known to fend off depression and stress. Bottom line–beautiful thoughts and conscious thinking create healthy habits and all-around happiness.
Over the last year, I have been on a serious journey of self-discovery and development with mindfulness being the main focus. I have learned that without knowing myself, I will never be content. Within a year alone, I have noticed the positive changes within myself and the effects positive thinking has had on my wellness, relationships, and professional life. I feel lighter, I listen to my intuition, and I acknowledge all experiences; most of all I feel alive.
By practicing mindfulness, I have started to look at the bigger picture which got me thinking…In a world filled with so much hate and negativity, I feel as if a movement to cultivate positive feelings and thoughts are in order. Therefore, I invite you to join me in dedicating the month of July to living mindfully. Each day will bring a new area of focus to help create presence and connection to ourselves and the world around us.
If you’re ready to join me, here is a breakdown of each day’s focus.
1. Joy
Do something to make your heart sing. Something that makes you so blissfully happy.
2. Self-Care
Take the time to do something kind for yourself: a bath, a massage, or going for a walk.
3. Nourish
Switch out the fast food for some slow food, and feed your body and soul with some quality whole foods.
4. Simplicity
Let go of the clutter in your mind and in your space. Eliminate what doesn’t serve you.
5. Gratitude
Show thanks to the people and things that are good in your life.
6. Compassion
Embrace yourself or others without judgment or ridicule.
7. Nurture
Provide focus to an area in your life that needs more attention.
8. Acceptance
Accept the flow of life, the good and the bad.
9. Love
Do what you love. Spread the love. Feel the love.
10. Be present
Live completely in the moment without worrying about the past or the future.
11. Quiet
Take a moment for yourself and sit in silence; quiet moments bring clarity.
12. Authenticity
Be confident in who you are; embrace every inch of yourself.
13. Intention
Be clear on what you want for yourself, and set out to fulfill it.
14. Openness
Try something new. Be open to new experiences and perspectives.
15. Grace
Exercise kindness to a stranger or a friend in need.
16. Breathe
Find balance with a few deep breaths.
17. Visualize
Imagine your future and where you would like to be.
18. Letting go
Release feelings, emotions, things, or people that are not meant to be.
19. Feel
Acknowledge feelings and focus on the good; we attract what we feel.
20. Smile
It’s that simple!
21. Sit
Sit. Meditate. Take a moment for yourself without any distractions.
22. Connect
Take the time to have deep and meaningful human connections.
23. Dream
Be conscious of your deepest desires, and make them happen.
24. Think positively
Recite a mantra that speaks to you.
25. Pay it forward
Pass the love on to someone in need.
26. Forgive
Fully move on from any pain you’re holding within by forgiving yourself or others.
27. Balance
Discover what areas in your life are in balance or off balance.
28. Empower
Fully believe in your purpose, and be your highest self.
29. Passion
Whatever truly excites you, do that.
30. Listen
Take the time to listen to others as well as your own body.
31. Inspire
Continue to be a voice, not an echo.
Please join me and the rest of the Peaceful Dumpling family for July as we live mindfully. Use the hashtag #mymindfulmonth to show us what you’re up to.
Curious to see how we’re living mindfully? Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram!
Also by Jess: Yoga for Self-Love and Empowerment
Related: 7 Ways to Practic Mindfulness in Everyday Life
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Photo: Jess Davis
