Your Mindful Year
This is the year for mindfulness in life and work.
Mindfulness is observing the present moment non-judgmentally.
While it seems so simple, we are more often lost in thought and judgment than observing the present moment as it is. Accepting what is, is a function of resilience. Trusting in your ability to navigate your world without over-thinking, that results in exhaustion and overwhelm, is the key to sustainability this year and beyond. Here are three practices to add mindfulness into your life and your work.
Be mindful not mind full
"Mind full" is when we are thinking of everything all at once. Manage distractions and multi-tasking to ensure you are actually experiencing life and work in real time. Focus is a gift you can give your tired brain. Being mindful is noticing and appreciating what you are doing when you are doing it.
Less judgment more discernment
Our brains like to label and categorize everything. This is useful, but overused. To reduce stress, notice times you do not have to make a judgment. Can you see things just as they are without labeling them? Discernment means you are judging well and for the purpose of understanding. It may seem like a slight difference, but the impact on our life can be great when you are less judgmental and more discerning. Know when your brain is staying busy with judgment and when it is truly needed to evaluate and make decisions.
Your presence is a present
As humans, we want to be seen and heard. Giving your attention to someone is the greatest gift you can give them. In a world of stress and technological distractions, it may be harder than ever to listen with your whole self to someone who is speaking to you. Try to avoid multi-tasking when it comes to interpersonal relations. Active listening allows you to rephrase what you have heard and better connect with those you love and respect.
These three practices are simple, yet challenging. Mindfulness offers you more flow and enjoyment in life. You don't want to miss it!
Kim Perone, M.A., C.L.C. is a Success, Bereavement & Resilience Coach and Mindfulness Trainer at the Center for Clarity, Compassion & Contentment (CENTER4C). Kim works with business professionals as a coach and also conducts workshops and seminars at her office and in the workplace, now offered virtually. A personal strategist, philosopher, and champion for her clients, specializing in stress reduction, mindfulness, work life balance, bereavement, resilience, and authentic success. Kim is a Certified Life Coach, with an M.A. in Organizational Communication from the University at Albany and author of The Case for Clarity, Compassion & Contentment: Finding Your Center (available on Amazon). It is Kim's belief that when clarity, compassion, and contentment are present an inspired life is possible. For more information, feel free to contact Kim at [email protected], (518) 301-3593, www.Center4c.com.