I don’t know how you are after the holidays, but with all that goes on in our business between November and December, I make it to the day after Christmas more than ready for some restorative rest. That is why we stay closed the day after.
It’s also the time when all my evaluating of the yearbefore and thinking on what’s next for the following year becomes even clearer. I look at how things are going in my life, our business, my health, family etc. consistently throughout the year, but in October I really begin diving in to see what adjustments I need to make to finish my year strong in all these areas and set up the following year to be even better. This is a practice I learned many years ago and makes all the difference.
Now, that said, after coaching and strategizing with so many people over the years, I have found that most people do not do this consistently or with a plan. That’s why I thought I’d write this series and give you some clear actionable tips and information on how to be more mindful in all areas of your life and set intentions moving forward that you will be more likely to feel great about. Let me know which post or suggestions are the most helpful for you in the comments! And here’s to the best year ever in 2024!
~Freddi
Today we start with:
Understanding Mindfulness and how to Cultivate Presence:
As my daughter, Mikaela and I watched the Black and White 1940s version of Miracle on 34th Street this week and we listened to one of the characters talk about how fast paced everything was and how people don’t take time to slow down anymore, I couldn’t help but think, "are you kidding me? You have no idea what a fast paced life is. " lol And here we all are, in today’s fast-paced world. where finding moments of peace and clarity is essential for our well-being, yet can feel like an act of God is required to make them happen, in all reality, all that is required is a bit more mindfulness. Most of us know
mindfulness has gained immense popularity, but many aren’t quite sure what
mindfulness really is. So, today’s blog is about understanding mindfulness and its
benefits.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness, rooted in ancient contemplative traditions, isthe practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment. It involves cultivating awareness of your thoughts, your spirit, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment without judgment. By doing so, you can experience mindfulness benefits such as a heightened sense of clarity, focus, and emotional balance.
The Origins of Mindfulness
The history of mindfulness finds its roots in ancientEastern philosophies, particularly in Buddhist traditions. The concept of mindfulness, known as "sati" in Pali and "smṛti" in
Sanskrit, has been a fundamental aspect of Buddhist teachings for thousands of
years. Over time, mindfulness practices have transcended cultural and religious
boundaries, gaining recognition and adoption worldwide and personally, I find
prayer to potentially be the greatest act of mindfulness, regardless of religion. That said, you do not need to be religious to benefit from incorporating mindfulness practices in your daily life.
Benefits of Mindfulness
The practice of mindfulness offers a myriad of benefits for both mental and physical well-being. These include stress reduction, improved focus and concentration, enhanced emotional regulation, and even positive effects on physical health, such as lower blood pressure and better immune function. As research continues, the list of positive effects of mindfulness continues to grow. We’ll talk more about the benefits as we go through the next 4 days. "Which aspect of mindfulness resonates with you the most? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's embark on this journey to a more mindful and intentional 2024 together! 🌟 #MindfulLiving #CommentBelow" See you tomorrow!
Be sure to keep reading our 5 part series on Mindfulness CLICK HERE. And if you want more on Mindfulness and to get on the waitlist for our next Mindfulness Program sign up HERE.
As with all of our posts, any thoughts, references, recommendations are not a substitute for professional medical advice. Choosing to act on any information provided is solely your decision and liability as the reader.