What Mindfulness Means for Today's Seniors
 The phrase "mindfulness" has long since been associated with looking out for the well-being of others; being respectful, courteous, and making sure that the needs of others are looked after first and foremost. Today, mindfulness has a new meaning that is focused not on the well-being of others, but on yourself. No matter what your age, it can be hard to really sit down and focus on one thought or one action at a time. Our minds are constantly going a mile a minute while we're trying to do one thing, but thinking about another. How often do you find yourself doing the dishes, but thinking about what you're going to tell your doctor at your next medical appointment? Or walking your dogs while focusing only on thinking about what you'll make for dinner? Being mindful today means learning to focus on just one thing at a time that way you find a more centered place of being.
Being mindful has a focus on living in the moment. Next time you take your dogs for a walk, simply take in your surroundings, pay attention to your pets, and stop worrying about meal planning; you can do that when it's actually time to start preparing your meal. Of course, the most stressful situations can reenter our thoughts at any given moment. After receiving a traumatizing medical diagnosis you might find that your concern about your health is something that is constantly in the forefront of your mind no matter what you're doing. It's understandable, but by learning how to practice mindfulness, you can better manage stresses, and learn to be grateful for what you have by living in the moment. Overall, being mindful can improve your physical and mental health, and you'll find that you get more out of life.
It's not easy to start living in the moment when you're used to living in a world where you have to do eight things at once. But you can start simple, by taking moments in the day where the focus is on nothing but what's in front of you. When you're sitting at a red light in your car, take a few deep breaths to center yourself and take in your environment without letting your mind wander. If you find yourself going through the motions when doing certain activities, like vacuuming or brushing your teeth, just stop and focus on the experience. It's easy to just feel like you're running on autopilot, but take moments to make sure you are mentally there in the moment.
Practicing mindfulness is so important for seniors - it brings us back to the difference between survival and living. As you get older, it's time to realize just how precious life is, so take every moment to appreciate it. Stop, breathe, look around you and be mindful.
Via: About.com Image source: sxc.hu |
