Mindfulness.

Just sitting still with your own thoughts in a high-input environment like today is exceptional, if you are able to do it.
We have all heard someone say: “Meditate.” or “Take a deep breath.”
Sounds so easy, doesn’t it? And while it is for some, for others it can be tough, if not impossible.
Personally, I have often heard from people that I need to learn to have more or be more patient, and over the years it might seem like I have adopted a patient attitude. Well, to be honest, I don't see myself as a patient person and I don’t think much of just being patient. I believe it is too often used as an excuse to not do something or to delay action. Basically to be lazy…
Instead of practising being patient, I began training myself in having awareness. To pause and observe. To pay attention to the present moment and my surroundings. Asking myself what assumptions have I been making and what could they lead to. What Am I missing, or what have I forgotten to consider? Being aware is quite different from being patient. It's a whole lot more dynamic. With awareness you sometimes see what you weren’t able to see before, to observe arising thoughts that you haven't considered before. You're not stopping what you doing. You are continuing the process. You are continuing to move forward in a different way.
Imagine looking through binoculars into the distance. To know where you want to zoom in on you first need to observe the horizon as a whole.

Don’t forget that different things work for different people. Others have to go through their own process of finding what works for them! But without trying new things you won’t know if you like them or not. Ask yourself: “What is the worst thing that could happen if I try?” If you fail, you’ll know it isn’t for you.

Seven ways to practice mindfulness?

1. Breathing:
   One of the simplest ways to cultivate awareness is to focus on your breath. Take a few deep breaths, and then breathe naturally, focusing on the sensation of the breath as it moves in and out of your body. Whenever your mind starts to wander, simply notice the thought and bring your attention back to your breath.

2. Body scan meditation:
   This is a mindfulness practice that involves focusing your attention on different parts of your body, one at a time, and noticing any sensations you feel in each area. This can help you become more aware of your body and any tension or discomfort you may be holding.

3. Walking:
   This involves walking slowly and deliberately, paying attention to each step and the sensations in your feet and legs. You can also focus on your surroundings, noticing the sights, sounds, and smells around you.

4. Eating:
   This is a practice of paying close attention to the sensations, flavors, and textures of your food as you eat it. It can help you slow down, and become more aware of your body's hunger and fullness signals.

5. Journaling:
   Writing down your thoughts and observations can help you become more aware of your patterns of thinking and behavior. You can also use journaling to reflect on your experiences and gain new insights into yourself and your life.

6. Gratitude practice:
   Cultivating a sense of gratitude can help you become more aware of the positive aspects of your life and the world around you. You can combine a gratitude practice with journaling and write down things you are grateful for each day, or simply take a few moments to reflect on what you appreciate in your life.

7. Take it offline:
   In short, being off the phone can be a form of mindfulness practice because it allows us to be fully present and engaged in the moment. Your brain is your most valuable tool - don't let your smartphone dull its edge! Spending time off the screen will give your mind time and space to fill. Thoughts normally unrecognized will begin to flourish and creativity long forgotten might return.

These are just a few examples of practices that can help you cultivate awareness and mindfulness. The key is to find what works for you and make it a regular part of your routine.