It’s supposed to help you be happier, more focused, and less stressed out. Great. But can you be mindful if you’re not the meditating sort? Yes you can, say the pros. And it’s way easier to achieve than you think.
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"Stay calm and just breathe – no reason to let a couple of roadblocks spoil a perfectly good day."
You’ve probably heard of mindfulness. It’s become the buzzword that’s bandied around as the solution to just about anything – whether you’re stuck in traffic, burnt out at work, or trying to raise a well-adjusted kid. Those who practise mindfulness call it the perfect antidote to a busy life that can sometimes seem like one long to-do list, while cynics dismiss it as new-age mumbo jumbo. So let’s get things straight – what exactly is mindfulness?
Erin Lee, a mindfulness coach who runs her own practice, Mindful Moments, explains it as having momentto- moment awareness of what’s going on around you, and how it makes you feel. It started out as a spiritual practice, but has become part of everyday life. The practice of mindfulness teaches that dwelling on the past or worrying about the future can be emotionally damaging and unproductive. “Mindfulness trains the mind and attention, in order to ground you in the present moment as and when needed,” she says, adding that it helps you focus, feel less stressed out, and have greater clarity about what triggers certain feelings.
The best part – you can be mindful anytime, anywhere. You just need to know how, and then you practise, practise, practise.
Do It on Your Own:
Make it a habit by deliberately setting a few minutes aside every day to do this. It means doing a mental scan of your body to reflect on how you’re feeling that day and notice your breathing patterns. Give yourself space to observe your thoughts, emotions, and body sensations. The point is to be at peace with these feelings rather than suppress them. Being aware of what triggers certain emotions can mean that you’ll avoid repeat episodes in future. If your mind strays, (and it will if you’re new to the mindfulness game), use an audio meditation guide (try www. centreformindfulness.sg/audio) to help you stay on track.
The easiest way to start is when you’re grabbing a bite. Eat alone, skip the Netflix, and give your meal your full attention. Don’t just swallow your food. Chew slowly and savour it, noticing its texture and taste. Once you’re used to the idea of doing this, you’ll find it easier to inject this same level of attentiveness into other aspects of your life. Then, create what experts call “mindfulness triggers” throughout your day – on the commute to work, while climbing the stairs, or when taking a shower. Be mindful during those activities. It’ll improve your ability to focus, and that means you’ll feel less stressed.
Use It in Your Social Life
During an argument, your mind is flooded with thoughts you’re probably chomping at the bit to get out. Ask for a three-minute time-out. That way, you won’t lash out, and you’ll stop being defensive, says Kathirasan. Pay attention to your breath to calm down, he adds.
After that, check in with how you feel. Whether it’s the temperature of your skin, or emotions like sadness, frustration or anger, notice them. When you’re mindful of these, you won’t react in a way you might regret, plus you’re more deliberate about what you say. The point: to make sure the conflict isn’t unnecessarily escalated.
It’s not unusual for colleagues and friends to vent about horrible bosses or terrible boyfriends. But in trying to support them, your judgment sometimes gets clouded and you may feel compelled to give advice on impulse.
They’ve made it their business to help you stay present.
Wear your mantra on your wrist and get daily reminders to “Breathe”, have “Gratitude”, and “Live in the Moment”. The jewellry design brand – which offers bracelets, rings, and key charms – is a stylish yet simple way to practise mindful living.
For more, go to www.mindful-company.com
Sign up for a session of silence – where you sit quietly as you savour tea that’s been poured out by people who are hearing-impaired. The aim? To help you understand the benefits of mindfulness and self-reflection. It’s a good way to slow down and take a time out in the middle of a busy workday.
For more, go to www.hushteabar.com
The brand’s range of mindfulness journals are a good guide, with exercises and meditation techniques to help you stay present. It also organises in-store workshops where you can learn practical ways of living mindfully.
For more, go to www.kikki-k.com/ mindfulness-workshopinstore
THE MOVEMENT SINSPIRED BY MINDFULNESS
The Konmari method is a way of tidying your home that encourages you to keep only the items that spark joy and let the rest go. But it’s so much more than a method of organisation. Fans, including celebrities Oprah Winfrey and Kate Hudson, love the importance it places on being mindful and introspective with regard to the stuff you own, and how it makes you feel.
