I think we can all agree that our lives today are full of distractions. We are so busy doing that we lose touch with our ability to just be. It leaves us living surface level, task oriented lives instead of being able to savor the moments we are given.
Don’t get me wrong, doing has it’s place, but it is important to stay connected to our true selves and current moments as well. Cases of anxiety, depression and suicide are rising and people are reporting more and more dissatisfaction in their lives. It’s time to come back to the precious moments of what is true and real right now where we feel more peaceful and connected to the blessings of our world.
When people have anxiety attacks one of the most common tools recommended is to focus on their senses to calm their brains and bring them back to the present. They are told to ask themselves:
- What do I see right now?
- What do I hear right now?
- What do I smell right now?
We don’t have to wait for a crisis like an anxiety attack to use this gift of our senses. When we are feeling overwhelmed, worried, guilty or experiencing a thought storm, we can use our senses to come back to a more peaceful state. They are with us every day wherever we go, ready to guide us home.
A deeper practice would be to create mindful sensory moments as a routine or use them for daily mindful meditations. Common ways to do this include:
- Savoring the flavors of a meal
- Focusing on your heartbeat or breathing
- Saying a prayer of gratitude when you wash your hands
- Practicing seeing through the eyes of an artist
- Listening deeply to music
- Paying attention to details
- Puttering, journaling, jigsaw puzzles, creative hobbies
- Listening within to the voice and guidance of your heart
- Focusing on movements and sensations while doing simple things like washing dishes
When welcomed into your life, sensory mindful moments become your friends, help you feel fully alive and support you in savoring the joys and blessings of your days. When practiced regularly, they can be transformative.
Related Posts
Embracing Gratitude for Health & Happiness
Hi Linda,
Those sensory mindful moments are magic. They improve all aspects of our lives.
Thanks for reminding us to put them into practice daily in our lives.