How mindful you are?

"You only need to find yourself. Everything else you can google." Anonymous

​In today’s fast paced and distracted environment, we often find ourselves rushing through life without stopping to notice much. We most often find ourselves in the autopilot mode. Specially during times of trials, the tendency to lose focus is high which may lead to formation of self-defeating habits & patterns in life. Mindfulness is about developing high levels of self- awareness & self-management by switching off the autopilot and getting in the driver’s seat of your life. This is where we have strong focus and open awareness directed towards our own self. It enables us as individuals to be calm and clear-minded in how we think and behave. In this state, we mindfully monitor our thoughts and emotions and use our values and goals to guide our actions. This mind state is a prerequisite for everything else. It can positively change the way we see ourselves and our lives. Mindfulness can help us enjoy life more and understand ourselves better. As we develop greater self-awareness, we are simultaneously cultivating the ability to have greater empathy for others as well.

Mindfulness can be used as a tool to manage your well being and mental health. With good mental health, you can:

• Make the most of your potential
• Cope with life
• Play a full part in your family, workplace, community and among friends

Reminding yourself to take notice of your thoughts, feelings, body sensations and the world around you are the first steps to mindfulness. It is a choice that we make for our overall well being.

Here are a few steps to help you become more mindful. The key is practice and practice till you master it:

1. Breathe Mindfully: Use your breath as an anchor to still your mind and bring your focus back to the present moment.
2. Listen Deeply: Listen with intention; let others fully express themselves and focus on understanding how they think and feel.
3. Cultivate Insight: See life as it is, allowing each experience to be an opportunity for learning.
4. Practice Compassion: Consider the thoughts and feelings of others and let tenderness, kindness and empathy be your guides.
5. Limit Reactivity: Observe rather than be controlled by your emotions. Pause, breathe, and choose a skilful response based on thoughtful speech and non-violence under every condition.
6. Express Gratitude: Practice gratitude daily and expand it outward, appreciating everyone and everything you encounter.
7. Nurture Mutual Respect: Appreciate our common humanity and value different perspectives as well as your own.
8. Build Integrity: Cultivate constructive values and consistently act from respect, honesty and kindness.
9. Foster Leadership: Engage fully in life and in community. Share your unique talents and generosity so that others can also be inspired.
10. Be at Peace: Cultivate your own inner peace, becoming an agent for compassionate action and social good.

​If you wish to see how mindful you are, you may take this assessment that I had prepared as a part of my Life Coach certification requirement. Click here to proceed. 

Warmth,
​Priyanka