Last year I posted a blog about mindfulness. For the month of May, I tried to shift my mindset and my behaviour. To be honest, I wouldn't call it a success (I'd barely give myself a C+) BUT I'm ready to give it another crack. If at first, you don't succeed...
So what does mindfulness mean to you?
Reflecting back on what I wrote last year, I think of mindfulness as being present in the moment and not worrying about the past or the future. I think about slowing down my mind from the never-ending to-do list and pay attention to the little things in life.
Do you ever stop to look up at the clouds? Look at the crispness of a blue sky? Smell a flower? Listen to the birds when you go for a walk? And how about really listen to what your family and friends are saying without being distracted by a phone?
For the month of May, I'm going to (try to) do the 3 'Ms" - EVERY DAY.
MOVE, MEDITATE, MAKE A JOURNAL ENTRY
Move. It's ideal to get your heart rate up so a brisk walk for 30 minutes might be your go-to. I go to Pilates at my friend's studio a few times a week so that's my starting point! I also walk with a friend once a week. So surely I can fill the other days with a measly 30 minutes right? For me, that will require writing it in my diary (and yes, I colour code things with highlighter. Exercise is yellow!!) This is how I plan on staying the course with movement. If I don't feel like doing much or feel a bit flat, I will do stretching or trigger ball/foam roller work.
Meditate. Also not one for me naturally but I've heard practice makes perfect. I prefer to use a Mediation app like Insight Timer (it's free) and do a 5 minute guided mediation. I really focus on my breath - just like Pilates - deeply breathing in through the nose into the stomach and slowly out through the mouth.
Make a journal entry. This is likely to be my hardest M to achieve. I've really enjoyed journalling thanks to a lovely friend who bought me a Gratitude journal last year. On the days I express gratitude, I feel much calmer. Sometimes the thing that I'm grateful for could be coffee if I've had a bad night sleep. Or maybe it's a sunny day. It doesn't have to be deep or significant every day. I also like my journal as it prompts me to identify "what is something you are worried about today that won't matter in 6 months time?" It really helps me gain perspective on things that seem important in the moment but are not in the scheme of life.
I'm only human and as it gets colder, it's harder to get up in the morning. But maybe I can wake up, start the fireplace (yipee!!! Early 40th birthday gift finally in action), and make my journal entry out there.
As with anything, consistency is key so I vow to work harder on creating a better way to calm my mind and set myself up for the day.
Anyone want to join me for Mindful May? I'm posting this blog early so you can be ready to start with me on Monday!
Till next time Wellspringers,
Holly
xx
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