Have you tried meditation but found you can’t stick with it? Do you like the idea of mindfulness and being present, but feel you are too easily distracted while meditating? Try this instead.
If you find being present isn’t easy, simply stop for a few minutes and check in with your senses. It’s quick, easy, and will improve your headformance.
Mindfulness doesn’t have to be done in silence while trying not to think. It can be done with your eyes open and focused on noticing more.
That’s why getting in touch with our senses is a great way to experience this state and increase your performance in all areas.
We know the dangers of distracted driving, but what about distracted living? Living a life full of constant distraction is not only unhealthy for yourself but also affects your relationships with those around you.
We all know there are those stressful or low times where distractions (read Netflix) may be helpful, but more often, distractions keep us from connecting with our world right in front of us.
“If it seems each day is passing quicker than the last, you are experiencing distracted living.”
I know you feel it too. Things used to FEEL different. I believe closer to the truth is, we just “felt it” more. I do it, and you do it, we all do it. The distractions are there, and we just let them take us wherever they want. Instead, let’s take back our time and relationships by using ALL our senses.
Where I am right now is the perfect place to practice checking in with my senses and being present. I am writing this blog post on the beach in Hawaii. Just now, the warm sun and breeze turned to one of those short bursts of rain that happens so often on the islands. I can feel the warm sun, and the next minute I’m getting wet.
But what next? Am I thinking, OMG, my phone is getting wet, grab it and run to the car and drive off? Nope, I stay right there. I wait just a minute or two and look up. What happens when the sun and rain mix? A perfect rainbow!
What a great time to check in with my senses. After doing so, I sit with that feeling for a moment. For me, at this moment, it is a deep feeling of gratitude. Gratitude for where I am, the beauty around me, and for what I have accomplished to get me to this place. That is the gift of stopping to use my senses and BE fully present.
Notice this did not involve closing my eyes and trying to shut out any distractions. Instead, it is really the opposite. I want you to think about opening yourself up to connecting with all your senses to be more aware of everything around you
How do YOU take this into your everyday?
As I type, I can SEE the beach stretched out in front of me, SMELL the saltwater, HEAR the waves crashing, FEEL the sun (or is it the rain now), and TASTE the salt in the air. Simple, right?
What if you took time out each day for just a moment, a minute or even 5 minutes to check in on all five senses. That moment in time is the essence of being fully present. That feeling is an incredible gift to give yourself. And one you deserve to give to yourself each day.
To start with, make it easy and pair it with something you do each day. Here’s an example.
Right before you begin to eat dinner tonight, spend time sitting, and noticing. Look around the table and see those you love, hear their voices, and really listen, smell the food you are about to eat, feel your weight sitting on the chair and then savor the taste of your first bite. That simple act (that took maybe 30 seconds) is being mindful. I’m willing to bet that moment will bring a smile to your face even more than the dog video you just watched on your phone!
Try it outside
I am a huge advocate of getting outside. Even if it is only for a few minutes a day, the benefits on our health and wellness are well documented.
I CHALLENGE you to get outside to practice being present. If you clear your mind and connect with where you are, you will start to notice the little things again. And my hope is you will then spend more time outside being “connected” in a new way.
When was the last time you stopped to listen to the wind in the trees, watch the clouds float by, smell the air, and feel the ground under you? This only takes a moment, and you won’t believe the changes that can occur doing something so simple.
Eventually, you realize the sky is an incredible color of blue that you haven’t noticed in some time. Obviously, it didn’t go anywhere. It’s been there the whole time, but you’ve been too distracted to notice.
INSPIREation comes at these times when our mind is clear.
Are you struggling with stress or a big decision?
Clear your mind using each of your senses and see if things feel different.
Start by doing this when you notice you are distracted (or you can easily try it at defined times during your day). Center yourself by checking in with each of your senses to bring things back into focus. It’s quick, easy, and no one even knows.
Once you start doing this routinely, you will look around and realize you have the edge. You will be more engaged with nearly everything and everyone around you.
“The ability to be still and simply experience where you are just may be the ultimate sense. It is a combination of all our senses coming together.”
What an incredibly simple way to be more present in your day, with your family, during a workout, and through distractions at work. Reduced stress, improved focus, and better relationships are all nearly immediate benefits.
Those few minutes of “no distraction time” make an IMPACT. That gift will not only benefit you but others in your life too!
I CHALLENGE you right now to stop and check in on all your senses. Start by keeping your eyes open. Focus on what you see, hear, feel, smell, and maybe even taste. That is IMPACT.
The benefits of mindfulness are extensive. If you signed up for Headformance Habits, you might have already received an email about meditation and mindfulness. If you haven’t joined the Headformance team, feel free to do so below, and get even more good stuff.
I LOVE the blog about being present. I cannot seem to stick to meditation but I can do this!
Thx Lisa!!