Mindfulness: How to Find Balance and be Present in the Moment
It’s more and more common to hear about the benefits of “living in the moment,” but how do we actually practice it? Given the fast paced, hectic schedule so many of us keep, stress is a normal part of life. With all of the demands and obligations we have, the tendency to stay scatterbrained can throw our life off balance.
Buddha said, “The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly.” In this article, we explore how to find balance by harnessing our awareness to the present moment and practicing mindfulness.
What is Mindfulness?
Living in the present moment, or mindfulness, is a state of active and intentional attention to the present moment. It is a powerful tool that can help us slow down and understand, tolerate, and deal with emotions in a healthy way. It helps alter habitual responses by allowing us to pause and choose how to act.
When we are mindful and live in the present moment, we experience delight in the world through our five senses. We recognize the thoughts we are having. We taste the food we are eating. We notice the feelings that are arising. In doing so, we begin to have a better understanding of how our minds work, and we are better able to label the feelings and thoughts that are coming up, instead of allowing them to overpower us.
The Benefits of Living in the Present Moment
While living in the present moment might not always be easy, it will bring immeasurable benefits to your life. Mindfulness can help us gain insight into ourselves and others as well as providing a handful of other improvements to our life. Check out some of the vast and varied benefits of mindfulness below.
Whole Body Health
Studies have shown that mindfulness can promote psychological wellbeing with enhanced self-awareness. Living in the present moment will help your mental health tremendously as well as your physical health. Being present and mindful on a daily basis will help ease stress, improve sleep and even help you manage pain.
More Appreciation
Slowing down and focusing on different aspects of your experience will surely show you things you never noticed. As you observe life around you, your appreciation for the things you have (rather than the things you don't have) will increase. You might begin to pay more attention to the beauty of the trees and flowers or your partner's loving gaze. Slowly, your gratitude for the world around you will grow and in turn, your happiness will too.
Better Relationships
It’s not a big surprise that when you feel good physically and mentally, your relationships benefit as well. Research suggests that mindfulness can enhance individuals ability to build and maintain healthy and secure relationships. Living in the present moment forces you to be aware of what is right in front of you, as well as empathize more. Strong empathy allows you to relate to your partner or friend, enforcing a deeper, more meaningful connection.
Less Stress, Greater Self Regulation
Being mindful will not erase the situations that bring you stress. That being said, paying attention to the present moment does help control the racing and non-productive thoughts that lead to stress in our minds and bodies. As we practice mindfulness, we realize that we can self-regulate. As we begin to see things as they are, stress floats away and we can manage whatever life throws our way.
Easiest Ways to Slip into the Present Moment
Mindfulness clearly has a myriad of benefits but how exactly does one live in the present moment? Start with these three simple practices.
Focus on your breath
Focusing on the natural flow of your breath is a wonderful way to anchor you into the present moment and observe what is happening in your body. Deep breathing is a powerful way to reduce stress levels and send a message to your brain: slow down. Try tuning in to the natural rhythm and flow of your breath and how it feels to inhale and exhale.
Identify obstacles
There are many reasons it may be difficult to still your mind. Try and identify the obstacles that are keeping you from practicing mindfulness. Don’t have the time? Reassess your priorities, you might need to take something off your plate. Unpleasant emotions arising? You might be avoiding dealing with something that brings you pain.
Focus on what's right in front of you
Pay attention to what is happening at this exact moment, right in front of you. Wherever you are, look around and take in what you see. Observe thoughts, feelings and sensations as they arise. Though simple, this exercise can be very powerful and help you appreciate elements of yourself and your environment in a more profound way.
How CBD Can Help
Finding mindfulness during a particularly hectic time in your life is easier said than done. We all need help sometimes. Incorporating CBD into your wellness routine can aid your body in its natural quest towards peace and balance. If you are struggling to live in the present moment, introducing our CBD oil tincture or CBD gummies into your daily routine can help you move towards a more mindful way of life.
You Can Start RIGHT NOW!
Remember, you don't have to meditate for hours every day to start living a more mindful life. All you have to do is keep bringing your mind back to the present moment. Be gentle with yourself. YOU harness the ability to root the mind and body in the present moment whenever you choose to!
Whether focusing on our breath or simply tuning in to our thoughts and feelings throughout the day, practicing mindfulness and living in the present moment will help bring us a well of balance and peace. The present moment is where life is unfolding - we will meet you there!
How do YOU practice mindfulness? Leave a question or comment below, or reach out to us directly at support@venacbd.com. We would love to hear from you!
