With everything going on in the world right now, finding the time and space to be peaceful within your own self is more important than ever. As chaos, anxiety, and fear envelop us, we have the power to halt those negative vibes, thoughts, and emotions in their track.
But how?
The Power of Mindfulness
Whenever we feel swamped by stress and anxiety, it is easy to forget that we can take control of our mind. Failure to do so will only lead to our thoughts effectively running away down their own path, and we fill that path with fear and dread.
Mindfulness stops that.
Mindfulness gives you the ability to say to your mind that you are no longer willing for it to travel down that road of anxiety. Instead, you choose something far more serene and peaceful. You also choose something that will reduce those cortisol levels rather than raise them. You select something that will calm your heart rate instead of encouraging it to go faster.
Mindfulness stops you in your tracks and forces you to take stock of what is immediately before you rather than the larger picture that may be surrounding and engulfing you. It encourages your mind to stop what it was doing and change its path.
Finding Pleasure in the Moment
So, where do you begin? Well, let’s paint a picture.
We all know that the world is having a significant problem right now. The media shows adverse and distressing events thanks to the pandemic. It’s something that we cannot escape, and it all takes its toll.
So, let’s do an exercise that will at least change your thought processes and allow you to move on in a positive light.
As you read this, I want you to take a moment no matter where you are. I want you to look around at the sights. Look at the colors and objects that surround you. Examine their size, shape, and texture. You may want to touch them. See how they feel and compare textures from the rigid, cold walls to the softness of brushed velvet or whatever you have around you.
Pay attention to any smells. How do they make you feel? Are there any sounds to note? Is there the sound of traffic going by, perhaps?
Take your time to absorb all this information. Focus intently on it all, even down to the smallest detail. Examine and study things from every angle.
Mindfulness is about effectively losing yourself in the moment. It allows you to focus on those smaller items and examine what it all means to you rather than studying that larger, more stressful situation or event.
In a world like the one we have right now, anything that can reduce our stress levels for even a matter of minutes can be beneficial. Mindfulness is the way ahead. Mindfulness can be a game-changer.
