You’re being mindful already... without realising it!

Sometimes clients say to me that they tried mindfulness but it's not really for them. Often people are being mindful without really even knowing it. Remember that mindfulness just means being in the present moment and noticing something. So there's probably lots of times each day when you're doing just that and you don't even realise it. For example:

• Walking in nature you might be noticing the sights, sounds, and sensations around you without even consciously trying to do so.
• Eating your favourite meal you might be noticing the flavours, the textures and being mindful of the experience.
• Listening to music, you're singing along to that song and listening to the melody and the rhythm of the music.
• Playing with your pet you might be throwing a ball or petting your dog noticing the feeling of the fur, noticing your pet's heartbeat.
• Listening to your friend and you're talking in a conversation you'll be really focused on what they're saying... noticing their body movements... leaning forward and paying attention and not distracted by other things.
• In the garden and you're pulling out those weeds, smelling the earth and feeling the sun on your back.
• Playing sport and you're 100% focused on the next point or hitting the ball....

So, as you can see, there's lots of different situations where you might be being mindful already and not even realising it. So first notice when you're being mindful and then try and extend those periods and increase the number of times per day where you're fully present and in the moment. When we are consciously in the present moment it helps us to get out of our own heads and redirects your mind off going over the events from the past (regrets) or worrying about the future. Staying in the present moment just like a 2 year old child.