We are living in a fast-paced world where it feels like we are constantly trying to catch up. This kind of living has brought much stress, frustration and discouragement. It is as if we are living on remote control. We are so busy trying to catch up that we seem to have no sense of the present.

Perhaps you have had this experience: You did something – and for a moment you have no recollection of consciously doing it. For example, have you driven from point A to point B, but then were a bit surprised to find you had actually arrived? Or maybe you took out the trash, but a bit later you go to take out the trash again, only to realize you’ve already done so!

Is there a way to regain control of our lives from the ultra-busy vortex we have been sucked into? Is there a way to live intentionally? How do we learn, or re-learn, to be present in the moment? How do we develop what some have termed mindfulness.

This mindfulness that could help you take back control of your life is simply this: learning how to be aware of your present state and choosing to respond to life with an awareness of what you are feeling, thinking and doing in the moment.

Daniel Goleman, who has written about emotional intelligence (EQ), states: “Mindfulness is a method of shifting your attention inward to observe your thoughts, feelings, and actions without interpretation or judgment.” So, mindfulness is really about being aware and making conscious, deliberate decisions rather than unconsciously reacting to life.

You are probably wondering how to start developing mindfulness as part of your daily routine. Many resources (books, articles, apps, YouTube, Vimeo videos, etc.) are available, though I encourage you to use discretion. (I do not endorse all perspectives or all approaches).

Here are a few simple things you can start doing to develop a mindful approach to living.

Start the day being intentionally mindful. Before your day gets going, intentionally pause and become mindful, or aware, of what you are feeling and thinking. If you are used to having a quiet time first thing in the morning, pause before you have your quiet time.

Give yourself about 10 minutes to begin this process of mindfulness. Choose a comfortable setting where you will not be distracted. Then begin by taking a deep breath, paying attention to what you are doing. As you exhale, feel your body relax. Take four deep breaths and each time you exhale, notice what your body is doing. Then, breathing normally, pay attention to your breathing. Is your breathing shallow or deep? Fast or slow? Is it in your stomach or chest? Paying attention to your breathing is one of the most common ways to become mindful.

Calm your wondering mind. Now that you are aware of your breathing, pay attention to your thoughts. Focus on the many thoughts running through your mind, then focus on one for 1– 3 minutes, and avoid becoming overwhelmed by the gazillion thoughts that are usually going through your busy mind. Start focusing more intently on that particular thought and whenever your mind begins to wander, pay attention to your breathing as a way of bringing you back to the one thought.

The goal of starting your day with a period of mindfulness is to help you be more mindful throughout the day. Hopefully, beginning the day in this way will help you remember to pause during the day and focus on the present. However, you will do your mindfulness pause during the day differently than the pause to begin your day. During the day (for example, when beginning a particular task), pause, take a deep breath, then exhale, allowing your body to relax. Focus on a thought or the task at hand. As distractions come, pay attention to your breathing as a means of staying mindful of what you are feeling, thinking and doing in the present moment.

“A mindfulness practice often begins simply by focusing on your breath, noticing when your mind wanders, and then bringing it back to your breath. As you strengthen your ability to concentrate, you can then shift to simply noting your inner experience without getting lost in it at any point in your day.” Daniel Goleman

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to live mindfully, paying attention to your thoughts, feelings and actions in the moment? It is possible, if you are willing to slow down long enough to begin the process.

If you have been feeling your life is way too busy and out of control, it is time for you to take back control by mindfulness living.

Would you like to explore and go deep in how you can live mindfully – intentionally and purposefully – in every area of your life? I will be happy to work with you. You can reach me at 208-880-0307 or at recarrim@gmail.com for a complimentary coaching session.