MINDSET: 5 Principles of mindfulness

Mindfulness is about both being reflective and fully experiencing the fluctuation of mental states.  It evolved from Buddhist tradition and was once widely practiced, but it’s given way to busy schedules, long workdays, and social obligations. 

The good news: Being present is natural to humans. We’ve simply gotten away from practicing it. You can reclaim that power with these 5 steps to mindfulness.

1. Pause and listen

Pausing and listening are the initial steps to awareness. In a fast-paced world where quantity is valued over quality, we’re forced to be ahead of the game. While we might be leading the pack in our jobs or socially, we’re being limited in our ability to be present and listen to the meaning behind our actions and words. The problem: We bypass the ability to truly connect with people and situations. As you build awareness of yourself and others, you’ll become more sensitive, which is essential for connection.

2. Find your center

Life can feel like a hurricane. Instead of getting swept up in the chaos, centering yourself can help you remain calm and in control of yourself, especially in times of challenge. Think of it as your anchor, your place to find peace and comfort.

3. Set your intention

When you’re a fast-acting multitasker, your mind can become invaded by the thoughts and responsibilities you’re trying to keep track of. While these goals are important to keep organized, you can deal with the onslaught of to-dos by zoning in on a point of focus. Do this by setting your intention each morning and staying mindful of what matters most that day.

4. Think, speak, and act with purpose

Mindfulness doesn’t do you any good if you’re only practicing it behind closed doors. What matters is how you apply these practices to your daily life. Ingraining these principles into your life will help you face unexpected stress with more ease. So put it into action.

5. Take time to reflect and assimilate

Self-reflection is critical to mindfulness. That’s why the final principle of mindfulness is to reflect and assimilate. If you don’t take the time to reflect and assimilate, your brain won’t absorb the new information and can easily divert back to old habits, and you’ll miss out on the opportunity to truly experience transformation in your life.