When was the last time that you fully experienced something without being distracted by something else that grabbed your attention? Do you often miss meaningful moments while being pulled in so many directions? In this fast paced life where we are constantly multi-tasking, we get so used to being on auto-pilot. Before we know it life goes by, and all we have left is regrets of missed moments. When we are not paying attention to the present moment we are literally absent from our own life. Being in the present connects and grounds us to what is important in life. There is a certain kind of fulfillment that comes with being a witness in your own life.
This is what the mindfulness practice is all about. With mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re experiencing in the present moment, rather than reliving past fears or being anxious about the future. You can try this by simply being still for a couple of minutes and observing your thoughts, emotions and sensations without any judgment. Do you find yourself feeling more centered and calm afterwards? As you practice mindfulness, you gain a better understanding about yourself, and how your thoughts, emotions and behavior impact you and those around us. Once you see this, you can filter those behaviors that are harmful and proactively respond to situations and people. Though mindfulness has its roots in Buddhist meditation, a secular practice of mindfulness has entered the American mainstream in recent years. In fact, The Huffington Post even declared 2014 ‘The Year of Mindfulness’. Recent studies have linked it with reduced levels of stress, increased memory and focus, improved sleep, emotional stability and enhanced creativity.
Would you like to learn how to connect within to fully experience yourself and your world? Then come and join over 150 diverse women in my Mindfulness Training Session at the April 9th The Art of Empowerment Conference. Register here: http://events.constantcontact.com/register/event?llr=yqzbx7kab&oeidk=a07e9wy5drq4d6cf23a
By: Shebani Kulkarni, President EQuest Global Group, Inc.
