How to Change Your Mindset [Part VIII]
Drop into the Here and Now
If you want to make lasting and meaningful change in your life, you must adopt a winning mindset first. There’s no other way around it.
Problem is: Changing your mindset is often much easier said than done.
That’s why I’m dedicating the following series to helping you do exactly that. Each day, I’ll dive into one specific (and highly powerful and effective) way to nurture a mindset that works for you instead of against you.
Yes, my friend — when we’re all done here, you’ll have all the tools you need to take your mindset from “I could never do that” to “Look out world, I can do anything!” faster than you ever thought possible before.
But it’s to you to put in the work and make the change.
So without further ado, let’s dive into Mindset Method #8.
Mindset Method #8: Mindfulness
If meditation is the secret sauce that calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and helps you create a healthy relationship with your thoughts…
… then mindfulness is the portable single-serve packs you can put in your pocket and take with you wherever you go.
In other words…
Mindfulness is a meditative tool that can help you reap the same rewards of meditation without having to commit to a full meditation practice.
To better explain, let me introduce you to one of the best descriptions of mindfulness I’ve ever come across — it’s from the book Everyday Blessings: The Inner Work of Mindful Parenting by Myla and Jon Kabat-Zinn.
Mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying attention on purpose, in the present moment, nonjudgmentally. It is cultivated by gently reminding ourselves over and over again to pay attention in that way. As best we can, we then intentionally sustain that attention over time. When our attention gets carried away, as it inevitably will, we bring it back to the present moment over and over again. In this process, we become much more in touch with our lives as they are unfolding. You might say that we learn to “inhabit” our own awareness.
- Jon Kabat-Zinn
Powerful, right?
Through mindfulness, we learn how to slow down, take notice, and appreciate how life in unfolding all around us — it’s a way for us to get ‘in tune’ with ourselves, our families, our friends, and ultimately, the present moment.
It’s so easy to get swept away in the chaotic whirlwind of our lives, never taking a moment to stop and “smell the roses” — and the longer we allow that to go on, the more we miss. And the more we miss, the more we feel like life is just simply passing us by.
Mindfulness is the tool that helps us take our foot off the gas so we can finally see (and appreciate) all the beauty outside the window.
Here’s a simple mindfulness exercise you can try:
Whenever you feel like you’re getting swept away in feelings of anxiety, sadness, depression, agitation, or anger — you need a way to get grounded quickly so those feelings don’t get out of control.
And you can do this by employing the ‘3 Senses’ technique.
Here’s what you do…
As soon as you feel yourself getting carried away in less-than-ideal emotions, take a few deep breaths and ask yourself these questions:
- What are 3 things I can hear? (Birds chirping, dogs barking, cars driving, etc.)
- What are 3 things I can see? (This book, this mug, the salt lamp, etc.)
- What are 3 things I can feel? (This chair under me, my feet resting on this cushion, my fingers on the keyboard, etc.)
Think of these answers to yourself slowly, one sense at a time. If you do this exercise properly, it’s impossible to not be present and mindful — and it will help you find balance before getting swept away in your emotions.
You’ll gain more control over your reactions — and soon, you’ll be able to call yourself back to the present moment whenever you please.
That is true power, and it’s a power that goes hand in hand with a mindset that takes you the distance.
Halt right there!
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