Happiness can be an elusive emotion sometimes. We can get so caught up with the negative emotions and experiences from our past or worrying about the future that we don't realize we are sabotaging our human right for happiness.
There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and one is called tomorrow, so today is the right day to love, believe, do and mostly live.
~Dalai Lama
Being in the moment
What happens if you sat still for one minute and focused only on that one moment? Nothing exists but that one moment. Think about it. The only thing that would exist is the chair you were sitting in and the breaths that you were taking. If you were truly in the moment any negative emotions and thoughts you were experiencing would disappear. How cool is that?
Did you ever notice that when you are feeling happy, you are fully engaged in the moment? Maybe you caught a sunrise that not only took your breath away but brought you into that very moment. That moment of joy.... a breathtaking miracle. What about when you participate in your favorite hobby or activity? Notice how your mind and thoughts are completely overtaken by the mental and physical aspect of the experience.
Did you ever notice that when you are stressed, angry, sad, unhappy, or frustrated, you are not in the moment. That the cause of the negative emotion is the result of a past experience or unrealized future event?
Do you feel a light bulb coming on, yet?
Living in the moment is not for the faint of heart. It takes intention, practice and consistency. But it's the best kept secret for adding moments of happiness to our life's journey.
Mindfulness as an Exercise
Being mindful is like exercising. It's hard to start and sometimes difficult to stay consistent but it's so worth it in the end. Think of mindfulness as an exercise for your mental health.
As I write this blog on my back deck, I am taking periodic mindful breaks to fully immerse myself in the sights, sounds and smells of nature. What I hear are birds chirping, cars driving by, the hum of air conditioners, the sound of wind through the trees and kids laughing. What I see is green trees, squirrels scampering through the yard, branches swaying in the wind, a beautiful blue sky, my dog Bailey sound asleep next to me and the beautiful flowers i just planted. What I smell is freshly cut grass, clean fresh air, and someone's tantalizing barbecue. All of this took me only 90 seconds to fully appreciate and engage my whole mind (and soul). And the result from this mindful exercise? A smile on my face and a little bit of zen.
The easiest way to get started is to find an activity that you can practice being in the moment. Mindful exercises can be done with pretty much any activity including eating! So few of us actually eat mindfully. We are usually watching TV, scrolling through our phones, chatting with family (which is important) or totally zoned out. A great exercise is to choose one meal where you are fully engaged with each bite you take. Actually enjoy and savior what's being consumed.
Some other ideas include a walk, folding laundry, cleaning, actively listening to someone speak, and taking a shower. Whatever you choose make sure you engage all your senses; sight, smell, sound, touch and taste if applicable.
It may feel extremely weird at first but if you stick with it you'll find it becomes a habit. You'll start to crave those mindful moments for a boost in energy, happiness or positivity.
Extra help...
For those that would like a copy of my free Mindfulness Guide in 3 Easy Steps, click here. It's a downloadable PDF that will give you the basics to get you on your way.
I would love to hear feedback on your experience with mindfulness. Drop a comment below or shoot me an email at support@mariannecrooch.com.
Mindfulness isn't difficult. We just need to remember to do it.
~Sharon Salzberg