4 Lazy Mindfulness Tools for Spiritual Growth
In today’s world, the word mindfulness is carelessly thrown around as if we are supposed to be connected and all zen-like in order to be outwardly “well”.
Well, life is chaotic and it can be overwhelming trying to fit mindfulness into your already busy schedule.
While mindfulness is supposed to be a tool to reduce stress, it could actually have the opposite effect and create feelings of failure and procrastination.
Alas, I do believe in the power of mindfulness and know of ways to sneak it in. Let’s not forget its effectiveness at calming the non-stop loop of chaos in our minds and mending the hurt within our hearts. Establishing a mindfulness practice in your daily life is like cardio and leg day combined for the brain and soul. But how do we do it and still have time to feed our kids and walk the dog?
Start practicing now! Little habits of meditation and mindfulness will prepare yourself for the mental storm that is inevitably brewing.
Try one of these not so stressful mindful tools to relieve stress, defend yourself against anxiety, and awaken your spirituality.
Body Scans - Think of those tiny bits of time in your day when you are waiting and would usually scroll on your phone. Take that time instead, to do a quick body scan head to toe and notice where you are holding tension or stress. Consider those areas to be working hard holding onto big feelings. If it’s your neck, consider all the heavy burdens you have been carrying. Your throat? Do you feel like you don’t have a voice in your relationship? Your chest? Does your heart hurt from grief or loneliness? Skipping a scroll once or twice a day will reveal a lot about your body and mind.
Mindful eating- Savor Each Bite and focus on the taste, texture, and aroma of your food, eating slowly. Show gratitude for the food. Honor how you prepared it, ordered it, paid for it, and the sacrifice it may have made for you.
Social Mindfulness- When talking to others, step out of your own ego and thoughts and listen for something interesting the other person is saying. Reflect that thought back to them by saying “ I hear that you are struggling with your boss”. This intentional and mindful awareness in your conversations keeps you focused in the moment and also builds relationships. You can also listen with an intent to give the other person a compliment. This builds emotional intelligence and boosts social esteem.
Sensory Mindfulness - Next time you are in the car, rather than zoning out in your head, try to name all the instruments you hear. Or try to visualize the conductor working throughout the symphony. For an aromatherapy journey, experiment with essential oils and practice unblending different scents from each other.
Mindfulness can look how you want it or need it to. I hope you can try these simple methods next time you want to reach for your phone for a mindless scroll.
Taking time to refocus your attention on the present moment makes space to exercise attentiveness to how God is moving in your life.
When we no longer look to distractions for comfort but rather aligning our minds in healthy ways, we are able to see more clearly his blessings and discern our next right steps in his plan.
I would love to hear how your mental health journey is going. Please reach out and tell me what works for you. And as always, I hope to be of help as you walk toward building a more healthy connected self.
Be well and blessed, Whitney
