The Gift of Mindfulness

December 2013

Do you feel that you live in a busy world with too much to do? In the rush to accomplish lots of tasks, you may find yourself losing connection with the present moment—missing out on what you’re doing and how you’re feeling.

Did you notice whether you felt well-rested this morning? Did you notice the different color hues in the sky as you drove into work this week?  Do you ever notice that you sometimes eat when you are not actually hungry?

Mindfulness is the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment—and accepting it without judgment.

Practicing mindfulness improves emotional well-being and mental health.  It contributes to satisfied relationships, helps you savor the pleasures of life as they occur and equips you for adverse events.

By focusing on the here and now, people who practice mindfulness find that they are less likely to get caught up in worries about the future or regrets over the past and are less preoccupied with concerns about success and self-esteem.

Mindfulness improves physical health by relieving stress, lowering blood pressure, alleviating gastrointestinal problems, reducing chronic pain and improving sleep.

Mindfulness helps you to be more accepting of those around you, albeit family, friends or co-workers.  A regular practice of mindfulness deepens your connection and compassion for those you love.

The best thing about mindfulness – it costs you next to nothing and has no negative side affects.  It means merely seeking out the opportunity to weave it into your daily life.

I bid you peace.

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