Written by By Katy Oberle with Katy Oberle Creative
Mindfulness is a buzzword these days…and there are many ways to define it!
One of the most widely known and referenced definitions comes from Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn (the developer of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction, or MBSR):
Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.
Meditation is the formal practice of mindfulness (most typically done in a seated posture, using your breath as an anchor that positions you in the present moment).
But formal meditation isn’t the only doorway into mindfulness.
Other ways include:
–Creative practices like journaling, music, and art making,
–Embodied practices like yoga, walking, running, dancing, tai chi, and qi gong,
–Connective practices like nonviolent communication, and
–Nature-based practices like forest bathing,
just to name a few!
You can also do “everyday” things with greater present-moment awareness. For example, you can turn brushing your teeth into a mindfulness practice by:
turning your awareness to the act of brushing, feeling the bristles on your gums, tasting the toothpaste, and smelling the minty scent. And when future or past-focused thoughts pop into your mind when brushing (i.e. “I need to remember to sign that permission slip”; “I can’t believe that’s how the movie ended last night!”, etc), acknowledging them, allowing them to pass through (without judging yourself for having them), and returning to the present moment experience of brushing.
So WHAT’S THE POINT of mindfulness?!
Research has shown that when we practice being more present in our lives, we can experience:
-Less worry and stress
-More restful sleep
-Improved memory and focus
-Less emotional reactivity
-Greater cognitive flexibility
-Improved relationships
-More positive feelings like gratitude and joy
Author Jillian Pransky writes in her book Deep Listening,
When we’re somewhere else rather than here, expending our energy on planning for the future or rehashing the past, we feel drained. It’s exhausting to be somewhere other than where we are… We can be in the most relaxing, nourishing place in the world, but if we are busy-minded or fast-forwarding or rewinding to some other place, we have a completely different experience.
If we want to develop a sense of well-being, we need to come back here. If we want our body to move into the mode of health and healing, we need to come back here.
FROM MINDLESS TO MINDFUL LIVING
Without mindfulness, we “go on autopilot”; we react instead of respond, and we forget to remember how magical this one precious life really is.
When we’re on autopilot we’re not plugged into gratitude, into joy, or into authentic connections with our loved ones. We’re just going through the motions, like a hamster on a wheel!
But when we begin curiously and gently attuning to our present moment experience, we’re better equipped to pull ourselves off of that hamster wheel, even if just for a moment, and we realize how much power we actually have to shape the quality of our experience.
You have the power to choose to engage in loving, joyful behaviors that align with the values of your Highest Self.
Mindful living takes practice, but it’s not a one-dimensional process. If you’re not a “formal meditation” type of person, you don’t have to become one!
There are many creative ways to bring yourself into a space of presence, opening the door for healing, peace, and joy.
MY OFFERINGS:
Through Katy Oberle Creative , I offer creative mindfulness-based programming, including presentations, workshops and parties, retreats, and even music!
See below, and click on the links to learn more:
– Mindfulness programming for groups, teams, and businesses.
– Shinrin-yoku (forest bathing) experiences.
– Mindful Vision Boarding and Gratitude Art Journaling
– Sound Baths and Mindful Music
– My original music /live performances/commissioned songs
MY LOCAL “HOME BASE”: The Be Sanctuary:
If you live in Columbus, OH, I’d love for you to check out The Be Sanctuary , where I offer most of my in-person programming (such as SoulCollage® workshops and Sound Baths); I’m actually co-founder of this amazing space along with owner Deborah Bosner.
The Be Sanctuary is located in the heart of Upper Arlington, OH at 3360 Tremont Rd, Suite 240. You can register for my offerings directly on the The Be Sanctuary website HERE !
I’ll end with a quote by my colleague, therapist and mindfulness author Shonda Moralis:
The key is to pause and be still in order to hear the voice inside that is yearning for more play, more rest, and more mindful living of our days.
