Your Monthly insPRIVAItion: January

Your Monthly insPRIVAItion: January

A Mindful New Year~

“Do not wait until the conditions are perfect to begin. Beginning makes the conditions perfect.”⁠ – Alan Cohen⁠

Well here we are — 2021! A fresh start and a sense of beginning and hope. The New Year is a wonderful time to double up on our commitment to mindfulness. Yet even as we set goals, it’s important to be aware of any self-judging. Do you feel perfectionism paralyzing your practice? Or can we combine mindful living with kindness toward ourselves?

Meditation is a simple practice available to all, which can reduce stress, increase calmness and promote happiness. Meditation is straightforward, to live mindfully is to live in the moment and reawaken oneself to the present, rather than dwelling on the past or anticipating the future.

Below you’ll find an easy path to begin a daily mindfulness practice and start 2021 with clarity and peaceful intentions.

Mindful Tip 1:

Begin the day by taking a few minutes to just breathe, before checking emails, social media and the news.

Mindful Tip 2:

Set aside 15 minutes each day, where your intention is simply to be more mindful.

Mindful Tip 3:

Pay attention to the present moment in a gentle, accepting way. It can be while you are walking, sitting, or lying down.

Mindful Tip 4:

Pick one activity you do each day —  drinking a cup of tea, washing a few dishes, brushing your teeth.

As you do each activity, pay close attention to the sensations in your body. Instead of mechanically going through the motions, notice what thoughts and emotions come up. If your mind wanders, just observe it and gently return to the present moment.

See if you can make the activity a mindfulness exercise for a week. Feel what’s happening in your body and enjoy existing in the now.