Mindfulness Matters

By Candice McKinney, MA

Beyond Counseling, Inc.

. https://www.beyondcounselinginc.com/

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Mindfulness Matters

We live in a busy world.  It can be difficult to live in the moment and most of what we miss in life is due to being consumed with the cares of this world.  One of the most helpful practices that therapists introduce to their clients is mindfulness.

Mindfulness is the practice of teaching individuals how to be aware and intentional as they navigate throughout life.  While most of us claim to have our minds on what is important, the reality is that that we are not enjoying what is most important because our minds are so cluttered with information and an insurmountable technology channels that keep us distracted.

Mindfulness helps us to increase our ability to connect with ourselves and others to form meaningful and deep relationships that build secure bonds.  Fear of missing out (FOMO) has caused many of us to overcommit our schedules to the point where we miss out on our own lives.  We only get one life to live and once it is gone, it is gone.  You want to be able to look back and say that you enjoyed the time you had with memories of those moments intact.

Here are some tips to increase your mindfulness as you create the space for more intention in your life:

• Pay attention to your breathing pattern.
• Pause more between actions and bites of food.
• Listen intentionally.
• Meditate.
• Eliminate timing all activities.  Go with the flow.
• Observe your thoughts.
• Travel more.
• Invest in self-care.

A therapist can create a mindfulness plan that best fits your lifestyle and needs.