Episode 3: Getting Started With Mindfulness

Published: July 23, 2020, 6 a.m.

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In this episode I cover what mindfulness is really all about, how it works and why I think you should start practicing it today.\\xa0

Invitation for the week: Pick one thing you can do to start practicing mindfulness over the next week. Just one thing. Now, remember that your mind will wander. You will likely experience discomfort and more than likely judgement will try to sneak in. That\\u2019s okay, this is completely normal!\\xa0

Quote of the week: \\u201cWhen we are mindful, deeply in touch with the present moment, our understanding of what is going on deepens, and we begin to be filled with joy, peace and love.\\u201d - Thich Nhat Hanh

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Resources & References:

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Jon Kabat-Zinn, Founder of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program and Stress Reduction Clinic, he defines mindfulness as \\u201cthe awareness that arises from paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment and non-judgmentally. Mindfulness cultivates access to core aspects of our own minds and bodies that our very sanity depends on.\\u201d\\xa0

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How to start practicing mindfulness today:

  • A great place to start is to take a moment throughout your day to simply notice and press pause \\u2014 noticing your surroundings, your body, or your breath can be a great way to tune into the here and now. An effective way of doing this is to use your 5 senses. At any time, pause and notice your environment by using all of your senses. Observe what you feel, hear, see, smell and taste.\\xa0
  • You can tune into the present by noticing your breath. The breath is always in the present. Do this by noticing the rise and fall as you breathe in and out. Notice the breath entering through your nose and exiting through your nose. Don\\u2019t try to change it or hold it. Just notice it. Set a timer to practice this anywhere from 1 minute to 30 minutes.\\xa0
  • Meditation is a great place to start. I have some free, short guided meditations on my instagram account @fromjentozen that are perfect for beginners. You can also start by using Apps like Headspace or Insight Timer for free!\\xa0
  • Incorporate mindfulness into your daily routine: pick something you do every day like brushing your teeth. When you brush your teeth focus only on brushing your teeth. When your mind wanders bring it back by thinking \\u2018I am brushing my teeth\\u2019. See if you can become immersed in this task you do every day.\\xa0
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