It is almost like a buzz word these days “mindfulness” but is it the new superpower it is made out to be?
The answer is yes! And it’s not as hard as you think!
Let’s face it, life gets a little overwhelming at times, for all of us.
Finding connection seems difficult and feelings of isolation are far too common.
So, if you could improve your focus, attention, awareness, empathy and compassion, would you do it?
If you had the secret to overcoming the negative impacts of anxiety and stress, to foster resilience, and to develop deeper listening skills and leadership abilities, would you invest your time to see if you could develop this power?
These are no longer ‘soft skills’.
These are necessary skills for succeeding. And mindfulness is the tool that makes them all work better.
Mindfulness is simply connecting to the present moment without the judgement of whatever is going on for you.
It involves giving yourself permission to stop, take a slow deep breath in and out and to notice what’s going on within and around you.
To accept how things are (even if unpleasant), get curious about “what do I need right now”, and offering yourself some kindness.
Try this: focus solely on your breathing, breathe into your abdomen for the count of five. Hold, breathe out for the count of five and hold again. And repeat three times.
How do you feel?
There is so much power in three deep breaths and a mindful pause to break the cycle of reactivity and anger and bring empathy and compassion into our world, our work, and to the people around us. In fact, it’s the foundation of a successful life.
Do this first thing in the morning to kickstart your day.
Then repeat as often as you need during the day to slow down the chaos or frustration and help you think more clearly.
Being mindful can open the gateway to superpowers for us all.
When we are more mindful, we connect with others more compassionately. This can create healthier minds with healthier bodies and have an overall positive impact on all aspects of your life.
“When we are mindfully present, calm and compassionate, we radiate a powerful field that reassures, comforts and calms others”
Dr Robin Youngson, 2012
I feel better already 😊