How To Adult | Mindfulness Meditation

Some people think that practicing mindfulness is all about meditating, but really, it's about calmly acknowledging and accepting your feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations. This might mean you have an easier time shrugging worries or that set backs - from big assignments to everything happening in your personal life - don't hit you quite as hard.

Anyone can practice mindfulness at any time of the day. Here are some steps you can take to de-clutter your mind and mindfully meditate:

  • Set aside a certain time each week that you will dedicate to meditation. You don’t need a fancy yoga mat or a nice patch of lush green grass to meditate - it’s more important that you lock in a specific time to meditate.
  • Observe the present moment as it is. The goal isn’t to necessarily block everything out and achieve some sense of monk-like calm, it’s about the ability to take everything and appreciate things for what they are - no matter where you are. Try not to view things with any bias or prejudgment.
  • Acknowledge judgments, but let them pass. It is very hard to not make judgments about what is going around us, but when you notice them, try to make a mental note of it - how did you form that judgement and why? It will help you to understand the process of the mind and, hopefully, make it easier for the judgmental mindset to dial down.
  • Bring your mind back to the present. When you have other thoughts popping back into your head, practice bringing your mind back to the present and focusing on that moment.

A few things to remember:

  • Your spine has a natural curve, no need to sit too straight
  • Focusing on your breathing helps to focus your thoughts too. Returning your focus to your breathing will help minimize distractions