
Following on from the last few blogs giving you techniques and methods to integrate mindfulness and meditation into your life (just click here to see them all if you missed out on any of them), today's blog will be a brief and concise list of simple and functional ways to prompt and motivate you to keep up with this awe inspiring life style.
First off, “Expect nothing (other than alone time)
Set specific, achievable goals for your practice
Post notes in unexpected places (like your running shoes or your fridge door?) to remind yourself to meditate and be mindful
Start with short amounts of time, then expand
Find a quiet, comfortable space where you can meditate regularly
Brush your teeth with the opposite hand you normally use, or change the normal process of any activity you habitually do, in order to become mindfully aware of it
Make meditation a part of your daily routine, such as first thing in the morning or before bed.
Connect with a community of like-minded individuals to share your experiences and offer support.
Use guided meditations, apps, or other resources to make the practice easier
Learn to observe all your thoughts, feelings, emotions and bodily sensations without ever criticising them, merely acknowledging and accepting them for what they are; whether seemingly positive or negative
Track your progress, perhaps by keeping a journal or noting physical and emotional changes
Try every technique until you find the one that works
Combine techniques if you like them
Experience peace, love, and compassion through meditation
Try to only allow positive thoughts into your mindful space but don’t get cross with yourself if you can’t, or if you lose focus; just observe, acknowledge, accept and then smile
Incorporate mindfulness into other aspects of your life, such as during meals or while doing household tasks.
Use visualization techniques to help you stay motivated and focused
Reward yourself for sticking to your practice, such as treating yourself to a relaxing activity or favorite food
Remind yourself of the benefits, such as reduced stress and improved mental clarity
Get a meditation buddy or find an accountability partner to practice with
Find inspiration in mindfulness and meditation teachings, such as books or podcasts.
Try a mindfulness retreat, workshop or training to deepen your practice (such as our mindful baking workshop which can be accessed here
Allow yourself to simply be, rather than focusing on achieving a specific outcome
Practice self-compassion, reminding yourself that setbacks and distractions are natural.
Experiment with incorporating different sensory elements, such as scents or music, into your practice.
Use affirmations or positive self-talk to boost your motivation
Give yourself permission to let go of perfectionism, allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable experience
Recognize and celebrate your progress, no matter how small, to maintain momentum and motivation.
Make your meditative and mindful methods suit you, not the other way around, and remember, the key is to find what works best for you and make mindfulness and meditation a regular part of your life.
The next section of blogs will be assessing the links (good and bad) between religion and spirituality (mindfulness).
#mindfulness #meditation #selfcare #selflove #mentalhealth #wellness #relaxation #mindful #mindfulpractice #meditationtips #mindfulbaking #motivation #accountabilitypartner #selfcompassion #positiveaffirmations #gratitude #progressnotperfection #mindfulcommunity #mindfuljourney #mindfulliving #selfimprovement #guidedmeditation #mindfulretreat #mindfulnessandreligion #spirituality #mindfulthinking #mindfulbreathing #mindfuleating #mindfulmovement #mindfulawareness #themindfulbaker
Comments