One of my personal goals this year has been to practice mindfulness. In a perfect day I could stop once every hour to be mindful of my surroundings and my breath, taking no more than 30 each time. When I first set the goal I didn’t realize how challenging it would turn out to be.
In the beginning there were times when I thought of the practice as a nuisance and found myself tense, wanting to rush through the breaths to get it done quickly. I remember thinking my desire to rush through was an indication of needing a lot of mindfulness practice. Thinking back now, I realize part of the issue was also my approach. I was trying to force something that wasn't working. My approach at the time was fixed and didn't serve me in that particular moment.
It's interesting how this practice has changed from the beginning of the year to now. I started with an hourly alarm on my Fitbit that helps as a reminder to stop, breathe and be in the moment. There are times when this works wonderfully as intended and other times where it can be disruptive given the circumstances. Even though the alarm doesn't always work, it is a much needed poke throughout the day to help keep me mindful and continue with my practice.
In addition to the alarm, I've found other ways to trigger a mindful moment. Waiting in line or stopped at a red light are great opportunities to practice being mindful. 5 - 30 seconds is all that is needed. The trick is to remember to take advantage of these moments. Like anything we do, it takes practice and some days I'm more successful than others.
My perception and knowledge of mindfulness has grown over the year and continues to evolve. I find myself looking out the window more often and enjoying the view. Even a cloudy and rainy day brings me joy. And there are times now when this happens naturally without prompts. Practicing mindfulness has increased my ability to recognize and feel gratitude.
I've accumulated more tools than what I started with as I continue to work on adding mindful moments into my day. There are times when practice consists of a brief & simple pause to look out the window or a more intentional practice of deep breathing and awareness of self or surroundings. I've recently added in a new tool and have started to focus on visualizing my heart with each breath, working towards brain and heart coherence, which I'm really enjoying.
I still struggle with consistency most days and at times quality, but I am slowly developing and deepening my practice.
Totals
Push ups & Sit ups: 800/28920
Hand form: 13/389
Weapon form: 15/415
KM: 31/1112
AOK: 24/959
Sparring: 2/157
Blogs: 1/37
Yoga: 1/18hrs
Tai Chi: 14/523
MM:24/726
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