NOW

AND BLOOM LARGE!

MINDFULNESS IS DEFINED AS “THE PRACTICE OF MAINTAINING A nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one’s thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis.” This practice, which dates back to the BC days in a lot of religions around the world, is preached by many to be the secret to living happily and healthily. However, it has also proven to be quite elusive and difficult to master.

Here are a few things you can do to refocus and become more present on a daily basis:

BE AWARE OF YOUR ACTIONS. Speak to people with forethought and intent; be cognizant of not only what you say but how you say it.

KEEP YOUR FOCUS PURPOSEFUL.

If something needs your attention, make a conscious e ort to dwell on that and that alone, but only for a speci c period of time in solution-based thought. Once you have a plan of resolution, move on.

ALLOW YOURSELF TO DO NOTHING. Take time each day to just be still—sit outside and listen to nature; try to clear your mind and just breathe.

LET GO OF JUDGMENTS AND NEGATIVE EMOTIONS. Once you become present in the moment, you may begin to notice things you hadn’t before, such as others’ circumstances, needs, and nuances. Take this opportunity to really hear the person talking to you and appreciate it for what it is with no judgments, no rebuttal.

PRACTICE LETTING GO OF THE PAST. is can be di cult but it only breeds negative energy. e past is over and you cannot change it … let it go!

AVOID GETTING CAUGHT UP IN THE FUTURE.

It’s perfectly ne to plan for your future but when those thoughts become all-consuming and turn to worry, you are not being in the present moment.

RECOGNIZE IT’S NOT ALL ROSEBUDS AND BUTTERFLIES. It is important to embrace negative feelings as well. We are human after all, and we must recognize and appreciate what is not-so-pleasant at times. But negativity begets negativity, so it’s important to search for the positives in all situations.