To be "mindful" is to be aware of what is present, here and now. In other words, it is to be aware of inner thoughts, observe them, but not to become overly attracted to them. It is almost as if you are breathing in and out.. thoughts come and go... but they do not stay. It is to be present in the current moment .
To be "mindfull" is to be filled with thoughts and typically to be lost in them. This can involve past thoughts or events, current anxiousness, and thoughts that can be intrusive and all-consuming. MindFULL is exactly that. A mind that is FULL. Think of a computer and ALL of the tabs are open... this is the same of your brain. All of the tabs in your brain are open, the chatter is taking place and your mind is FULL.
To come to a state of "Mindfulness" is to take notice of those thoughts and feelings when they come about. You can also ask yourself some of these questions to help to achieve a state of mindfulness:
1. When do I feel the most alive or most like myself?
2. What do I find the hardest to accept about myself?
3. What stressor in my life can I help alleviate, or help to NOT become stressors?
4. What can help me focus and release tension?
5. What can I do each day to help to bring about a mind that is Mindful?
Working each day to have a brain that is not so FULL of chatter and anxiousness, can only help to make a more enjoyable day and life! But, like all things, Mindfulness will take practice. I wish you a successful mindfulness journey!!!
