Mindfulness is the ability to turn down the white noise in our life and focus on what is happening in the moment. In this state we are able to notice and pay attention to what is happening to us. When you develop the state of mindfulness it as if you have just woken from a stupor, and are now able to see the richness of your experience.

The opposite of mindfulness is mindlessness. In this state we walk around and see a world that is grey. We miss a lot, and what we do see we don’t pay any attention to. We take the little – and the big – things in our life for granted. It’s like we’ve clocked in but we’re not really there.

Mindfulness, then, is the ability to concentrate, pay attention to your situation and be fully ‘in the moment’.

Through the process of mindfulness you will be able to slow down your conscious thoughts. By doing this – slowing down the mind – you will be able to awaken the spirit within. It will remind you that there is more to life than the challenges with which you are daily confronted.

Mindfulness moments may occur at any time. They are designed to allow you to strip away the layers and discover the you that lies beneath. Here are 3 Mindfulness Moments that you can incorporate immediately:

Who Am I?

Simply ask yourself the following question . . .

Who Am I?

Listen to your response (likely a label like I’m a teacher)

Respond with . . .

Not that

Repeat this process over and over until you have produced a long list of labels. These labels will more than likely describe your position in society, your personality or your talents.

Keep uncovering layers until your arrive at the question . . .

Who is asking the question?

Your answer to this question will allow you to cut through the list of illusory labels with which we pigeon hole ourselves. We are able to become more insightful about who we really are.

The Lit Flame

Sit comfortably in a darkened room. Place a lit candle directly in front of you.

Now close your eyes and focus on your breathing for two minutes. Count your breaths – one as you breath in and two as you breathe out. Continue until you reach 10 breaths in and out. Now return to one and continue this process.

After two minutes open your eyes and focus on the flame of the candle. Gaze gently at it, without straining. Study the flame, becoming fully aware of it’s beauty. Notice things about the flame that you have previously taken for granted. Become one with the flame.

Next, absorb the flame into your body. Do this by fully establishing an awareness of it inside of you. Feel it’s heat warming you. Feel the flame moving around your body, providing heat energy to your various parts. Along with that warmth realize that it makes you feel safe, contented and relaxed.

Now, close your eyes and refocus on your breathing. Count your breaths – one as you breathe in and two as you breathe out. Continue until you reach 10 breaths in and out. Now return to one and continue this process.

The Flower

 Sit comfortably in a darkened room. Place a single flower in a bowl of water directly in front of you.

Now close your eyes and focus on your breathing for two minutes. Count your breaths – one as you breathe in and two as you breathe out. Continue until you reach 10 breaths in and out. Now return to one and continue this process.

After two minutes open your eyes and focus on the flower. Gaze gently at it, without straining. Study the flower, becoming fully aware of it’s beauty. Notice things about the flower that you have previously taken for granted. Become one with the flower, letting your consciousness melt into it.

Now close your eyes and absorb the flower into your inner being. Melt it onto your torso and feel it moving toward your heart. Enjoy it’s pulsing softness and beauty.

Now, close your eyes and refocus on your breathing. of you. Count your breaths – one as you breath in and two as you breathe out. Continue until you reach 10 breaths in and out. Now return to one and continue this process.

The exercises just described will help you to reach a place inside your mind that you have never been to before.

It is a place of quiet, peace and comfort.

Mindfulness Moments expand the consciousness.

Tips for Mindfulness Success

• Practice mindfulness at the same time every day
• Select an environment that is quiet, free of artificial light and distraction free
• Sit comfortably in an erect position
• Develop awareness of your breath
• If you find that your mind begins to wander, gently refocus on your target object. Don’t get annoyed with yourself – it’s part of the training process!