While meditation may be the most effective way to achieve mindfulness, there are other options you can try. Maybe you find it difficult to practice the traditional seated contemplation. Maybe you question its value. You can still find more happiness and peace of mind through a variety of physical and mental practices.
You may find that these activities are beneficial on their own or they may strengthen your ability and interest in meditating.
Whatever path you follow, try these ideas for becoming fully present.
Outer Practices
Breath deep.
Engaging with your breath is a practice you can do anywhere. Pay attention to each inhalation and exhalation. You’ll feel stronger and calmer.
Do yoga.
Yoga connects your mind, body, and breath. As a bonus, down dog and other poses will open up your hips so you can sit more comfortably if you decide to meditate later.
Relax your muscles.
Progressive relaxation facilitates awareness, as well as sleep. Scan your body from head to foot. Systematically tense and release each muscle.
Arrange flowers.
You can use it to connect with nature and express yourself. Take a class or pick up a book at the library to learn about the techniques.
Learn martial arts.
Karate and other martial arts involve much more than fighting. Regardless of what you’ve seen in the movies, building your character is more important than chopping blocks of wood by hand.
Drink tea.
Tea ceremonies are another tradition to encourage mindfulness. If you’re doing this at home, try giving your full attention to any food or drink.
Play Go.
The board game Go looks a little like chess with black and white marbles. Have fun while you’re learning about concepts like causation and interdependence.
Inner Mindfulness Practices
Slow down.
Moving deliberately promotes mindfulness. Consider the purpose behind your daily activities. Take time to enjoy life instead of rushing from one activity to another.
Focus.
Give your full attention to one task at a time. Turn off your phone when you’re having dinner with your family. Listen closely to ordinary conversations and falling rain.
Let go of judgements.
Accept your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without guilt or shame. Love yourself for who you are now. Take pleasure in learning and growing. Forgive yourself and others for disappointments and mistakes.
Live in the present.
Concentrate on today rather than regretting the past or worrying about the future. Take pleasure in ordinary things like the smell of coffee or the texture of soft cotton sheets.
Making Meditation Easier
If you’ve tried traditional medication and struggled with it, here are 3 bonus tips to consider…
Keep it brief. You may be reluctant to meditate because you tried to do too much too soon. Sit down for a few minutes at first and increase your time gradually.
Manage stress. Does meditation stir up troubling emotions for you? It’s natural to feel uneasy at times during your practice when you’re facing thoughts that you may usually keep under wraps. Remember that you’re making progress each time you accept the truth and find a way to deal with it
Walk and stretch. If your knees ache when you sit too long, you can meditate on your feet. Walk around your living room or back yard. Take small steps and notice how your feet make contact with the ground.
You don’t have to miss out on the benefits of mindfulness just because you’re uncomfortable sitting for long periods or troubled by disturbing thoughts. Your morning commute or a personal tea ceremony can also be occasions to connect with the here and now.
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Hi! I’m Tammy! I was a busy, stressed, and unhealthy teacher until I decided to take control of my health. I did not become an athlete until I was in my 50’s.
I earned personal training and fitness nutrition certifications, then retired from teaching to dedicate my work life to fitness education for other busy women over 40.
My results are obviously not typical because most people don’t train to compete as a bodybuilder.
But I believe everyone can make positive changes with healthy habits! Each of us has a unique combination of strengths and challenges that need to be considered to customize a program that will work for us. Science-based principles, flexibility, and consistency make all the difference.
