5 Tips for Living More Mindfully
To celebrate our annual #MindfulMay campaign, we asked Heather Peterson from Meditate Movement to take over our Instagram feed + share five of her favorite tips for living more mindfully. In case you missed the takeover (or just want to see her tips again), we've compiled all of them below. Check it out:
On mindful eating...
In our fast-paced society, we face an abundance of food choices every day. On top of that, distractions have shifted our attention away from the actual act of eating onto televisions, computers + smartphones. Eating has become such a mindless act, often done quickly. But by eating mindfully, you restore your attention + slow down, making eating an intentional act instead of an automatic one.
Here are five simple ways to eat more mindfully: 1) Eat more slowly + don't rush your meals. 2) Chew thoroughly. 3) Eliminate distractions by putting down your phone. 4) Eat in silence. 5) Focus on how your food makes you feel.
On mindful meditation...
My favorite way to start my morning meditation practice is with mindfulness. As I settle into my space, I start by just noticing how my body feels + what sensations are happening in my body. Then I gracefully begin to tune into my breath, sending it to the areas of my body that are more tense or tight. I also use my breath to release tension + further relax my body into a state of peace.
Once my body feels centered + calm, I turn my attention toward my mind. I notice the thoughts that are present and observe my mind for a few minutes to bring focused awareness to my mental state. I become an attentive observer. If my mind is scattered, I remind myself that some days are better than others, and I begin to let go of what is no longer serving me in the moment. I use mindful breathing to release until my mind is steady + quiet. The duration of this process depends on how my body + mind feel that particular day. Then I draw my attention inward to begin my time in silence with myself. Try beginning your meditation practice with these mindful awareness steps the next time you take a journey inward.
On mindful walking...
Mindful walking is one of the greatest activities you can practice to be fully present. When you walk, you can be totally engaged in paying attention to every step, breath + sensation. The cadence of your walk + your breath can become a form of meditation in itself. Free your mind of distractions, and allow yourself to truly be in the moment. Enjoy the sights, sounds + aromas. Engage all your senses. Witness them awakening without the burden of thought.
Your walk can include a state of gratitude—with lots of positive self-talk—or you can concentrate on the way that your body moves + the way that your breathing feels. Remind yourself to breathe smoothly + rhythmically, and most importantly, to relax + release any tension in the body. Breathe deeply. Roll your shoulders back and down away from your ears. Be loose. Be soft. Smile. Let your arms be free, swinging them from side to side.
On mindful laughing...
In a world where there’s so much to be taken seriously, it’s important to remember to laugh. Laughter meditation is an effective + easy way to access joy, pleasure + connection. Practice laughter meditation and embrace all it has to offer your mind, body + spirit.
Here are five healing benefits you receive from laughter: 1) Presence 2) Lightness 3) Connection 4) Stress reduction 5) Emotional release. It’s one of the easiest forms of meditation. Just start by stretching your body, practice laughing + end with some silence.
On rituals + mindful living...
