Mindfulness is one of those words thrown around a lot, but what does it really mean? Mindfulness can be defined as "the practice of purposely focusing your attention on the present moment."

When you're mindful, you're fully aware of what is happening in the present moment. This can be extremely beneficial for your mental and emotional health. It is the reason mindfulness has been shown to reduce stress, improve mood, and promote overall well-being.

So, if you are looking for a way to improve your life, start with mindfulness! It's free, simple and can be done anywhere!

In this article, we will discuss how mindfulness can improve your life!

Practicing Mindfulness

1. Tap Into Your Five Senses

Taking a moment to notice your five senses. Your sight, sound, taste, touch and smell, can help bring your mind into the present moment and away from any fears, anxieties or thoughts running about in your head.

Our senses are how we navigate the world and play a powerful role in interpreting our reality. Therefore when we ground ourselves in the present moment by connecting to our senses, we free ourselves from worrying about the past or the future.

2. Notice Your Thoughts & Feelings

Start to become aware of your thoughts and feelings. Have you ever heard the saying "Feelings Become Thoughts, Thoughts Become Words, Words Become Actions, and Actions Become Things."

It's true. Be careful of the thoughts that you entertain in your head! This takes some practice, and starting a regular meditation practice is a great way to start noticing then taking control of your thoughts and feelings.

3. Slow Down

In the modern world, we do a lot without even thinking twice about them! Multi-tasking in all different ways! Eating and driving? Talking and working? We need to slow down. More isn't always better!

In yoga philosophy, the sixth limb of yoga is "Dharana" - meaning "concentration." Teaches us that we should concentrate our mind wholly on a single task at a time.

4. Practice Acceptance

The main cause of unhappiness is the need to "have more" or "do more" or "compare thyself to..." A key element of mindfulness is learning how to accept yourself as you are and even your current situation as it is. (Even if you won't consider that situation as desirable.)

In yoga, the second Niyama of the eight limbs of yoga is "Samosa" which means contentment. Contentment gives unsurpassed bliss to the yogi. Not to say that samosa is blind Acceptance of the way things are; quite the opposite.

Accepting the reality that someone is not treating you right can give you the clarity that you need to move forward. Acceptance means holding our preferences more lightly and seeing the truth of the situation in the good and in the bad.

5. Listen To Your Body

Our body communicates with us in many ways, and most modern people are not attuned to how their own body communicates with them! Learn your body's language by paying close attention to how you feel after eating certain foods, consuming certain drinks and participating in exercise (or lack thereof.)

The next time you find yourself feeling stressed or overwhelmed, remember to take a few minutes for mindfulness. You might just be surprised at how much it can help! 

Be more mindful in your daily life when you join a the Astro Yoga Experience which is a community of like-minded people that will support you on your journey.