Are you someone who’s never quite understood what “mindfulness” is, let alone tried meditation? You’re not alone! The idea of achieving inner peace can feel like a distant dream for many. But the good news is that mindfulness practices can be made incredibly easy, even for beginners. In this blog post, we’ll break it down for you in simple terms, so you can embark on a journey to discover your inner peace.
What Is Mindfulness?
At its core, mindfulness is about being fully present in the moment, without judgment. It’s about paying attention to your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings, and it doesn’t require any mystical powers or special abilities. It’s something anyone can learn.
Start Small
If you’re new to mindfulness, start small. You don’t need to sit in silent meditation for hours on end. Begin with just a few minutes each day. Find a quiet spot where you won’t be disturbed and give yourself the gift of a short break.
Mindful Breathing
One of the easiest ways to start practicing mindfulness is through mindful breathing. Here’s a simple exercise to get you started:
- Find a comfortable seat or lie down.
- Close your eyes if you feel comfortable doing so.
- Focus on your breath. Pay attention to the sensation of your breath as it goes in and out.
- If your mind starts to wander (which is completely normal), gently bring your attention back to your breath.
Mindful breathing helps you stay in the present moment, letting go of worries about the past and future.
Guided Meditation
If sitting quietly feels too challenging, you can try guided meditation. There are plenty of apps and online resources that provide guided meditation sessions. These are designed to help you stay focused and guide you through the process, making it much easier for beginners. Some of our favorite apps are Calm (it includes stories, nature sounds, guided meditations) and Loona (we mainly use this app for sleeping as it offers nightly “escapes”. An escape combines CBT, relaxation activities, storytelling, and sleep sounds in a unique way. They also offer sounds and music to ensure you get a relaxing good night’s sleep!)
Patience Is Key
“Never give up! Never surrender!” – Jason Nesmith, Galaxy Quest (1999)
When it comes to finding your inner peace through mindfulness, remember the wise words of Jason Nesmith in Galaxy Quest: “Never give up! Never surrender!” This journey is not a race; it’s an adventure. So, be patient with yourself. It’s perfectly okay to have days when your mind is more restless than others. The key is to keep trying, just as the courageous crew of the NSEA Protector never gave up in the face of the unknown. Embrace the challenges and keep moving forward! You’ve got this!
Appreciating the Good Things and Finding Glimmers of Joy Throughout the Day
Mindfulness is not limited to meditation sessions. It can also be as simple as appreciating the good things that happen throughout the day. Whether it’s a warm cup of tea (or coffee!) in the morning, a kind word from a loved one, or a beautiful sunset, these moments are like the jewels in your daily life.
In addition to appreciating the small moments, you can actively seek out “glimmers” throughout your day. These are the little sparks of joy or contentment that often go unnoticed. It might be the sound of birds singing, the smell of fresh flowers, being able to buy (or cook!) your favorite meal, that one song you haven’t heard in a long time, a movie that no matter how many times you watch always brings you joy, or maybe that cuddle your puppy gives you when they lay next to you! By deliberately looking for and acknowledging these positive moments, you’re practicing mindfulness and cultivating inner peace. I, more often than not, can’t bring myself to meditating, so instead I find “glimmers” throughout my day that can bring me back to the present moment when anxiety or intrusive thoughts starts creeping up.
These “glimmers” and the simple joys of life can have a profound impact on your overall well-being. They remind you that even on the busiest and most challenging days, there are pockets of joy waiting to be discovered. So, as you journey toward inner peace, make it a habit to find these moments, no matter how small, and let them brighten your day. You’ve got the power to create your own moments of peace and happiness, all within the course of your daily life.
Conclusion
Embarking on the path to inner peace through mindfulness is an accessible journey for everyone, regardless of their meditation experience. Begin with small steps, being thankful for the little joys in everyday life (even in bad days there is always at least one glimmer), practice mindful breathing, and nurture your patience. Remember that even the tiniest moments of joy and contentment, those “glimmers,” can significantly contribute to your daily well-being. Embrace this process, and you’ll find peace and happiness in your daily life. You’ve got this!
