Skip to Content

If you’ve ever felt that life was just a bit too much, you’re not alone. With so much going on in your life, you may be overwhelmed.

There’s work, school, the young kids, the adult kids, the in-laws, etc. I’m sure you get it. And I’m sure you go through it repeatedly.

There are days you just want to rewind the clock and start all over again. Well, one thing we know is that we can’t turn back the clock, so we can only keep up or stop and appreciate what we have.

Even when life throws us lemons, there’s something to appreciate from that. I’ve always enjoyed a tangy glass of sweet lemonade. And you’ll be able to also once you understand mindfulness.

Mindfulness is what you’re missing to make even the worst days more bearable. If you have a minute, I’d love to talk with you for a bit about mindfulness, what it is and how you can incorporate it into your life, to help you get through some of the hardest days of your life.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is a practice of being in the moment, which encompasses two key components: awareness and acceptance. When you’re aware of what’s going on around you and can accept it, you’re in a state of mindfulness.

Mindfulness allows you to be in this state without distractions and judgment. Practicing mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.

What’s The Difference Between Mindfulness and Meditation?

Mindfulness is one form of meditation. Meditation utilizes various practices to quiet the mind or achieve a higher level of consciousness, one of which is mindfulness.

Mindfulness can be cultivated within or outside of formal meditation and woven into any activity, such as taking a walk or being engaged in conversation.

The Benefits of Mindfulness

Spending too much time planning, problem-solving, daydreaming, or thinking negative or random thoughts can be draining. It can also make you more likely to experience stress, anxiety, and symptoms of depression.

Practicing mindfulness exercises can help you direct your attention away from this kind of thinking and engage with the world around you. Being in a state of mindfulness helps reduce stress in our lives, we can enhance our performance, we gain insight and awareness through observing our own mind, and increase our attention to others’ well-being.

Mindfulness meditation gives us a time in our lives when we can suspend judgment and unleash our natural curiosity about the workings of the mind, approaching our experience with warmth and kindness—to ourselves and others.

The practice of mindfulness has been proven helpful in helping with:

  • Stress
  • Anxiety
  • Pain
  • Depression
  • Insomnia
  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Asthma
  • Fibromyalgia
  • Improving attention
  • Decreasing job burnout
  • Improving sleep
  • Improving diabetes control

Ways to Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness can take place through meditation sessions or smaller moments throughout the day. To cultivate a state of mindfulness, begin by sitting down and taking deep breaths.

Focus on each breath and the sensations of the moment, such as sounds, scents, temperature, and the feeling of air passing in and out of the body.

Shift your attention, then, to the thoughts and emotions that you’re experiencing. Allow each thought to exist without judging it or ascribing negativity to it.

Sit with those thoughts. The experience may evoke a strong emotional reaction. Exploring that response can be an opportunity to address or resolve underlying challenges.

Here are multiple ways you can practice mindfulness:

  • Pay attention. With so much going on in the world today, I understand the need to be focused on what’s ahead of you. Who has time to stop and smell the flowers along the way, or to take pictures of the beautiful lakes and trees as they’re driving along the countryside?

I know it’s hard to make time for the little things, but consider paying more attention to your surroundings. Experience everything the environment has to offer.

Put all of your five senses to work, by taking the time to actually taste and enjoy what you eat, laugh at what you hear, see not only what’s in front of you, but all around you, touch the soft, cuddly pets who long for your touch, and definitely smell the flowers in your path.

  • Live in the moment. This sort of goes with paying attention. When you’re aware of your here and now, you see and observe it all.

You actually hear your friend talking across the table from you at lunch, and not thinking about something that happened yesterday. Stay focused on where you are now, at this particular time, and who you’re with.

Try to intentionally bring an open, accepting, and discerning attention to everything you do.

  • Accept who you are. We are our harshest critics. Don’t be so critical of yourself. Go easy and accept all of who you are. Accept the mistakes you make and know that you’re going to make more mistakes.
  • Stop those negative thoughts. When you have negative thoughts, try to sit down, take a deep breath and close your eyes. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body. Sitting and breathing for even just a minute can help.
  • Do a body scan meditation. Lie on your back with your legs extended and arms at your sides, palms facing up. Focus your attention slowly and deliberately on each part of your body, in order, from toe to head or head to toe.

Be aware of any sensations, emotions or thoughts associated with each part of your body.

  • Do a sitting meditation. Sit comfortably with your back straight, feet flat on the floor, and hands in your lap. Breathing through your nose, focus on your breath moving in and out of your body.

If physical sensations or thoughts interrupt your meditation, note the experience and then return your focus to your breath.

  • Do a walking meditation. Find a quiet place 10 to 20 feet in length, and begin to walk slowly. Focus on the experience of walking, being aware of the sensations of standing, and the subtle movements that keep your balance.

When you reach the end of your path, turn and continue walking, maintaining awareness of your sensations.

How Often to Practice Mindfulness

You probably want to know how often you should practice mindfulness. There’s nothing wrong with practicing mindfulness daily.

The time of day depends on the type of mindfulness you practice. Some practices, like body scan meditation, are great for in the morning, but you can do it at the time that best fits your schedule.

cropped-The-Law-Of-Attraction-09.jpg

Aim to practice mindfulness every day for about six months. Over time, you might find that mindfulness becomes effortless. Think of it as a commitment to reconnecting with and nurturing yourself.

What People Really Think About Mindfulness

It’s already something we do, we just see it in many different ways. Even if we’re not aware of what mindfulness is, we have the capacity to be present, and you don’t have to change who you are.

Don’t feel creeped out about practicing mindfulness. The truth is mindfulness is not obscure or exotic.

All you have to do is cultivate the innate qualities with simple practices that are scientifically demonstrated to benefit ourselves, our loved ones, our friends and neighbors, the people we work with, and the institutions and organizations we take part in.

If you feel you need to change who you are to practice mindfulness, then don’t do it. You don’t need to change.

Solutions that ask us to change who we are or become something we’re not, have failed us over and over again. Mindfulness recognizes and cultivates the best of who we are as human beings.

Mindfulness has the potential to become a transformative social phenomenon. Here’s why:

Anyone can do it.

Mindfulness practice cultivates universal human qualities and does not require anyone to change their beliefs. Everyone can benefit and it’s easy to learn.

It’s a way of living. Mindfulness is more than just a practice. It brings awareness and caring into everything we do—and it cuts down needless stress. Even a little makes our lives better.

It’s evidence-based. We don’t have to take mindfulness on faith. Both science and experience demonstrate its positive benefits for our health, happiness, work, and relationships.

It sparks innovation. As we deal with our world’s increasing complexity and uncertainty, mindfulness can lead us to effective, resilient, low-cost responses to seemingly intransigent problems.

Death Moths have become quite popular in the spiritual world and are now part of Gothic Noir decor collections across the nation. This collection has even become popular for Halloween. But did you know, that Death Moths are actually real? And more importantly, have you ever wondered what it means when you see a death …

Read More about The Powerful Meaning Behind A Death’s-Head Hawkmoth

For centuries, individuals across cultures and continents have harnessed the power of manifestation and the spoken word to shape their realities. In recent years, a unique, holistic ritual has gained popularity: speaking to water before bed. While it might sound unusual to some, it taps into the fundamental principles of energy, frequency, and the conscious …

Read More about Have You Ever Wondered Why People Speak to Their Water Before Bed?

Hello, my metaphysically-minded companions! Strap in and buckle up because we’re about to embark on a magical mystery tour into the mesmerizing realm of lunar witchcraft. There’s no need for your GPS—our journey is lit by the moon, guided by the stars, and fueled by the sheer joy of exploration. Unraveling the Moon’s Mystique The …

Read More about Witchcraft and the Moon: Lunar Magic Explained

A hushed whisper of the supernatural, a glimpse into the occult, a dive into the otherworldly—witchcraft has been a captivating phenomenon for centuries. From ancient times when witches were revered as spiritual leaders and healers, to the dark ages where the mere mention of the word ‘witch’ evoked terror, witchcraft’s journey through history has been …

Read More about Witchcraft in Pop Culture: How It Influences Perception

The journey towards mindful living can be likened to a personal tapestry, a beautiful work of art woven from different strands of your life. These threads include the choices we make – what we consume, how we express ourselves, and even the fabrics that clothe us and dress our homes. Among these threads, there’s one …

Read More about The Spiritual and Holistic Benefits of Silk Pillowcases

The intriguing realm of witchcraft is one that’s been the subject of countless tales, folkloric fables, and spiritual rituals throughout human history. Recently, there’s been a resurgence of interest in witchcraft as a holistic and empowering spiritual practice. In our modern, fast-paced society, many individuals are embracing the tranquility and enlightenment offered by witchcraft, utilizing …

Read More about The Role of Deities in Modern Witchcraft: A Deep Dive into Spiritual Empowerment

Unraveling the Ancient Bond The enchanting world of witchcraft is teeming with countless practices, rituals, and ideologies. Among these, herbalism remains central— the utilization and understanding of plants for their medicinal, spiritual, and magical properties. This intimate connection between witchcraft and herbalism has been intrinsic to our cultural fabric, passed down from ancient civilizations to …

Read More about Witchcraft and Herbalism: The Deeply Rooted Connection

In an age where mindfulness, spirituality, and alternative perspectives are rapidly gaining popularity, the topic of witchcraft has surged back into the cultural consciousness. However, along with this renewed interest come many misconceptions and myths. So, let’s dive deep into the heart of the matter and ask ourselves: “Is witchcraft real?”. Let’s debunk some common …

Read More about Is Witchcraft Real? Debunking Common Myths

Step into the intriguing labyrinth of modern witchcraft, a realm where symbolism orchestrates the rhythm of enchanting practices. Among the plethora of potent symbols embraced in this mystical realm, the Triple Moon symbol casts a compelling light. The Triple Moon, a cosmic echo of ancient wisdom and profound feminine power, provides a significant cornerstone in …

Read More about The Triple Moon: Unraveling Symbolism in Modern Witchcraft

Deep within the mystical realms of witchcraft lies a symbol embodying an ancient wisdom, an emblem that resonates with the heartbeat of the cosmos — the Triquetra. This powerful emblem has been pivotal in various cultures and religious traditions, comprising three interlocking loops that form a captivating trinity knot. Over time, it has found a …

Read More about Discovering the Triquetra: Embracing the Power of Three in Witchcraft

Dreaming of your teeth falling out? This bizarre phenomenon is one of the most common themes people experience in their sleep. Despite its unnerving nature, it’s actually quite a universal dream. But what does it mean when you dream of teeth falling out, and how does this relate to your waking life? Are You Dreaming …

Read More about Are You Dreaming Of Your Teeth Falling Out? Here’s What It Means

Bathing rituals have been an integral part of human history, tracing back to ancient civilizations. With our increasingly busy lives and mounting stresses, the world is witnessing a revival of these ancient practices, with herbal baths standing out as a preferred choice for many wellness enthusiasts. These baths encompass more than simple cleansing; they symbolize …

Read More about Making Herbal Baths for Cleansing and Healing

Dive into the world of mesmerizing scents and therapeutic experiences with this comprehensive guide to crafting your own herbal incense. Unraveling the Mysteries of Herbal Incense: A Timeless Tradition Herbal incense, a mixture of herbs, resins, and essential oils, has been a cornerstone of diverse cultures for thousands of years. From ancient Egyptian rituals to …

Read More about Making Your Own Herbal Incense

Welcome to the captivating world of herbalism and the extraordinary art of growing your own magical garden. Whether you are an aspiring herbalist, a nature enthusiast, or simply captivated by the notion of harnessing the innate power of nature, this comprehensive article will provide you with invaluable insights, expert tips, and detailed techniques to help …

Read More about Herbalism: Growing Your Own Magical Garden