A lot of the time we live our lives on autopilot. We get used to the same routines and behaviours, and sometimes this can cause us to miss slight changes or really appreciate the good things we have in our lives, including people! As an example, when it comes to children how many times have you heard the phrase “blink and you’ll miss it” or “they grow up so fast?!”.
Or another example, you’ve either walked or driven to or from work, but haven’t paid any attention to your surroundings and realise you’ve suddenly arrived before you knew it? Or have a general feeling like the days, weeks, and months are passing us by. And although we acknowledge we’ve had some great times in those periods… where does the time go?? Well, we can get a handle on this by utilising the fifth and final way to wellbeing – taking notice. This is about really being present and appreciating or current surroundings, with curiosity and without judgement.
Have you heard of Mindfulness? Chances are you have, and you might even know a little bit about it too! But a big part of the practice of mindfulness is being present in the moment. Really feeling like a part of life and the world right here and right now, and experiencing it for what it is. Mindfulness doesn’t have to be about meditating for hours on end, it can be achieved in the simplest of every day tasks such as eating, or cleaning, or walking to the shop.
It’s about being aware of your thoughts, your body and your emotions – that’s it. And it sounds so simple but it takes practice, but the benefits are so worth it! And meanwhile, start small. Taking small steps to improve your overall wellbeing are much more impactful than making massive changes and then not being able to maintain them, resulting in giving up. So next time you’re doing the washing up, or cleaning your teeth, take a few moments to observe that the water feels like, the temperature, and the texture of the sponge. What sounds can you hear? Be aware of the motions you make with your body, or any smells you’re aware of. Are you feeling any emotions? Again, observe them without judgement; just acknowledge them.
One of mine is when I’m in the garden, looking at a flower I’ve grown and admiring the colour, smell, texture, the sounds I can hear where I am. Even just a few minutes of this feels wonderful. There is more to mindfulness than the brief overview I have given here, but there are many resources and courses online if you want to know more. A good place to start is:
https://www.freemindfulness.org/welcome which also has a link to many free resources.