Current Events > One of my long term goals is to develop mindfulness.

(+) Yeah! (+)

Its definitely a difficult journey but it is something I genuinely believe helps improve mental health.

Yoga and meditation are good as well as being reflective of my thoughts and feelings and correcting how I respond to events.
---

First you must get incense
---

Hairy-man posted...

First you must get incense

Ill end up burning my apartment down loool
---

_Matchabuu_ posted...

Hairy-man posted...

First you must get incense

Ill end up burning my apartment down loool

hey at least it will smell nice!
---

Tru that
---

What is this "mindfulness" that you speak of?
---

konokonohamaru posted...

What is this "mindfulness" that you speak of?

Being aware of your actions, why you do them, and why you should or should not do them. A way to be more productive and less stressed, in practical terms.
---

konokonohamaru posted...

What is this "mindfulness" that you speak of?

Being connected with myself and my environment, mostly establishing that relationship with myself though.
---

Guide posted...

konokonohamaru posted...

What is this "mindfulness" that you speak of?

Being aware of your actions, why you do them, and why you should or should not do them. A way to be more productive and less stressed, in practical terms.

This. Its also self awareness, but for me I am trying to reconnect, in a way.
---

Any examples?

I don't think I'm very "aware" of my surroundings by any means, but I'm not exactly sure how to become more "aware"
---

_Matchabuu_ posted...

Its definitely a difficult journey but it is something I genuinely believe helps improve mental health.

Yoga and meditation are good as well as being reflective of my thoughts and feelings and correcting how I respond to events.

How do you define mindfulness?

Some may say it's a road, not an actual tangible goal. In other words, you'd never arrive to a point where you can say "a-hah! I now achieved mindfulness!"

I am incredibly self aware, it's one of my favourite qualities about myself, and probably the biggest part of what makes me, me. However it also probably costs me some happiness in life, because before I do anything, the question I ask myself is "Is this the right thing to do", not "will this make me happy/is this what I want", etc.

As in I will purposely do something that makes me unhappy if I know it is the right thing to do. Being right > being happy.

But I'm not unhappy - I'm married, have plenty of money, great friends and a fulfilling job - I couldn't be happier, honestly. If that makes sense?=
---

YokoGeri posted...

_Matchabuu_ posted...

Its definitely a difficult journey but it is something I genuinely believe helps improve mental health.

Yoga and meditation are good as well as being reflective of my thoughts and feelings and correcting how I respond to events.

How do you define mindfulness?

Some may say it's a road, not an actual tangible goal. In other words, you'd never arrive to a point where you can say "a-hah! I now achieved mindfulness!"

I think its hard to define and a constantly moving target, which makes it inherently subjective.

konokonohamaru posted...

Any examples?

I don't think I'm very "aware" of my surroundings by any means, but I'm not exactly sure how to become more "aware"

Introspection, to start, IMO.

TreyFlowers posted...

I am incredibly self aware, it's one of my favourite qualities about myself, and probably the biggest part of what makes me, me. However it also probably costs me some happiness in life, because before I do anything, the question I ask myself is "Is this the right thing to do", not "will this make me happy/is this what I want", etc.

As in I will purposely do something that makes me unhappy if I know it is the right thing to do. Being right > being happy.

But I'm not unhappy - I'm married, have plenty of money, great friends and a fulfilling job - I couldn't be happier, honestly. If that makes sense?=

Its definitely a balance like you say especially if you prioritize rightness over happiness
---

konokonohamaru posted...

Any examples?

I don't think I'm very "aware" of my surroundings by any means, but I'm not exactly sure how to become more "aware"

I focus on my breathing while I think of the next three things I'll do. Stressing out about stuff affects your body, most notably your breathing and heart rate; since you can manually control your breathing, you can (kinda) control your emotional state.

Then I just think of the next thing to do and only that thing. It seems a lot less than three things, so it's immediately more achievable. Doing that makes me realize "hey, I can fuckin' do things", and so the next thing is easier, and there's a positive momentum.
---

My mom is a facilitator for mindfulness. She recommends this website https://www.mindfulschools.org/
Its geared for schools and educators but can be used by anyone.

Jon Kabat-Zinn is the "guru" and might have free lectures and other info on it.
---