"Mindfulness" is a term that refers to a mental state of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, without judgment. Being mindful is a practice that involves paying deliberate attention to your thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the environment around you. Mindfulness practices are beneficial to reduce stress, improve mental well-being, and enhance overall quality of life.

When I first began my journey to creating a life I love being mindful was something I knew nothing about. The peace, clarity and self-love I’ve gained from practicing being mindful has contributed greatly to my new contentment with life.

Here are some key benefits and aspects of being mindful:

1. Present Moment Awareness: Mindfulness encourages you to focus your attention on the here and now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

2. Non-Judgmental Observation: It involves observing your thoughts and feelings without passing judgment. This means accepting whatever arises in your mind without labeling it as "good" or "bad."

3. Awareness of Sensations: Mindfulness often includes paying attention to physical sensations in your body, which can help you connect more deeply with your bodily experiences.

4. Breath Awareness: Many mindfulness practices involve paying attention to your breath as a way to anchor your awareness in the present moment. The breath serves as a point of focus.

5. Stress Reduction: Mindfulness techniques can be effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression. By being present and non-judgmental, you can learn to respond to life's challenges with greater resilience.

6. Improved Well-Being: Practicing mindfulness regularly can lead to increased overall well-being, emotional regulation, and a greater sense of contentment.

7. Mindfulness Meditation: This is a structured practice where you set aside time to intentionally focus your attention on the present moment. It often involves guided meditation exercises.

Mindfulness can be integrated into various aspects of daily life, from eating mindfully to walking mindfully or simply pausing to take a few deep breaths when you feel stressed.

Mindfulness is a valuable tool for enhancing self-awareness, emotional intelligence and managing the stresses of modern life. Being mindful has been an important part of my journey to create a life I love. If you’d like to learn more about the benefits of being mindful or would like some guidance to get started please comment below.

I’m glad you’re here,

Jill Schmidt