By Narelle Monteleone - Earth Star Transmissions
We are perfect just as we are. We may struggle with this idea feeling that we need to look or act a certain way to be what we imagine perfect to be, in order to be accepted. What we don't realise is that others see us in an entirely different light and if we shift our perspective even slightly, we would stop being so hard on ourselves and just sink into a state of appreciation of who we are and how much we actually have to offer. Appreciating ourselves just as we are is an act of Mindfulness as we are not trying to change anything about the present moment, but merely 'being' in it and accepting of it.
Mindfulness is not the difficult task it may seem and the benefits far outweigh the effort it takes to get into the habit of living each moment as a moment. Not rushing from one task to the next attempting to fit in as much as possible, but slowing things down and approaching each day in a more balanced way. I know some of you will be thinking 'Easier said than done, when you have a job and a family, and the washing and the cooking and (insert the multitude of obligations here), but believe me it IS possible. As a mother of five, I have done all of the above and I felt the effects of it as I'm sure you do. I now know that living life from a wholistic approach is what is needed for us to feel fulfilled and happy. I know from my experience that being in the moment and really honouring each moment, just as we do in Meditation with one breath at a time, we get so much more from our experience. We gain clarity, therefore the big decisions don't seem so big and we become more connected with ourselves, our Mind, Body & Spirit. When we are rushing through life on autopilot, we are not able to make the wisest decisions for ourselves, so slowing down, breathing and living completely in the present moment is paramount to taking the right steps in the right direction, and to realising we are perfect just as we are in this present moment. The bonus of living a more Mindful lifestyle is that when we feel more relaxed and content, so too do the people in lives. It is like a ripple effect that filters out to everyone around us.
How do we practice Mindfulness?
The great thing about becoming more Mindful is that it's not difficult. It takes practice like anything new and remember, you've been living a certain way your whole life so it's natural you may drift back and forth between being Mindful and not being Mindful. That's only natural. We're human! Like any new practice, repetition is key. The more you do it, the quicker it becomes a habit and we all know that habits tend to stick. Thankfully, this is a positive one so go for it! There are so many opportunities in incorporating Mindfulness into our day so go with what works for you but here are some tips to get started.
Before getting out of bed in the morning, take a couple of slow deep breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Give thanks for everything you have and be excited and open about all of the possibilities your day has yet to bring.
Whether it's your lemon water or your go to coffee, take your time drinking it, focusing on each sip and how it tastes as you slowly, yes slowly, no gulping here, consume your first bevy for the day.
Meditate! Preferably in the morning if possible. If not, well whenever you can is fine. The more you Meditate the more Mindful you will be. Meditation for me is the key to Mindfulness. It is the simple act of sitting and breathing where nothing else matters for a time. No forcing or controlling it, just breathe!
Incorporate Mindfulness into your everyday activities such as Washing the dishes, Cooking, Gardening, Exercising - You get the idea! Mindfulness can be done in everything that you do, in every moment of the day. All you are doing is becoming completely focused on each task as you do it and if your mind begins to wander to the future or the past, you gently bring it back to right now and fully immerse yourself in the task at hand.
Creativity - When we are creating something, we are fully focused upon it. This can be any type of Artistic pursuit such as Painting, Craft, Making Jewellery, Makeup Artistry - whatever it is you are drawn to that requires you to tap into your creative side. Think back to when you were a child and what you loved to do that was a creative outlet for you and tap into that inner child that's within each and everyone of us. You're never too old to have fun.
Eat slowly - this is so important on so many levels. Not only is an act of Mindfulness but it also aids our health in terms of digestion and feeling satisfied. It prevents us overeating and mindlessly eating when we savour each bite.
Mindfulness is an act of self love, self care and the more you bring it into your life, the more it will become clear that you are and have always been perfect just as you are.
Narelle x
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