10 Ways to Work Mindfulness Into Your Daily Life

Most of us are humming along through our daily life caught up in thoughts about what’s to come—where we’re going for lunch, the important meeting next week, the trip to Europe next year. Or we are thinking about that awkward thing we said at dinner last night, or remembering the relaxing beach day we had a month ago.

There is nothing wrong with projecting about the future or rehashing the past, but it means we are never really living fully in the NOW. The discord comes because our physical bodies are only alive in the present moment which means our body and mind are always in different places. To sync them up, use mindfulness practices. Doing these things won’t cost you anything, you can do them almost anywhere, and at any time. Even if you can only work in a few, you will be living more mindfully.

1. Feel the Sun on Your Skin: step outside and feel the warmth of the sun and where it’s touching your body. Give thanks for the sun and all the life it creates, including your food.
2. Notice your heartbeat: see if you can hold still enough to find the rhythm of your heartbeat. Let your chest feel open and light.
3. Watch the insects: Go outside and watch the bees, the ants, the butterflies, the flies. Don’t do anything but relax into watching for as long as your concentration will allow.
4. Red traffic light: do the 5x5x5 breath. Doing this will take your nervous system out of fight-or-flight and can instantly relax you. Breathe in for a count of five, hold for a count of five, and exhale for a count of five every time you are at a red light.
   
5. Mundane tasks: select something you do multiple times a day--walking to the copier or getting a glass of water, for example. Every time you do this task, use it as a walking meditation. Count your steps, and feel your feet making contact with the ground.
6. Hugs: almost every human needs more hugs. Hugs can instantly boost oxytocin levels, which heal feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anger. They also strengthen the immune system. When you hug, take a breath and send love to the person in your arms.
   
7. Every time you hear an ambulance siren: Send out the love you would want if you were in need of help. Say “I hope everyone is okay, I’m sending lovingkindness.”
   
8. Spend time in nature: no music, no podcast, no chit-chat with friends. Go into nature alone and notice the crunch of your footsteps, the crickets, the breeze in your ear, the birds talking to each other.
9. Do mini-meditations: every time your phone rings, or an email pings, take a moment to stop and breathe before you respond.
10. Connect with other humans: next time you’re out in public, make eye contact with three strangers. Smile at them and send them love silently.

 

• Spending too much time on your smartphone?
• Have trouble shutting off your mind?
• Want to approach interactions with more kindness?
• Wish you could have slow moments in fast living?
• Do you desire to live with more gratitude?

DATES:
Oct 29
Nov 5
Nov 12
Nov 26
Dec 3

DETAILS:
Instructor: Cori Lassahn.
Time: 7:00pm-8:00pm (please arrive 10-mins before class)
Location: Bilancia Studio at 2933 Suite #205 San Marcos Avenue, Los Olivos, CA 

INCLUDED:

• Meditation Instruction
• Guided Relaxation
• Mindfulness Tools
  
• Homework for More Mindful Living

TICKETS:
www.vineyardyogasyv.com