The following guest post is written by Ali Binns. Ali is a professionally trained Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and Mindfulness Trainer and offers mindfulness training and CBT in Bath.
Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment. To put it simply, what is happening right now. In our busy lives, we are often running on auto pilot; we are not entirely thinking about what we are doing at a precise moment. Our brains are pre-occupied, working hard at planning ahead, problem solving, stressing, ruminating or worrying. Our minds are often not in the present but straying towards the past, or trying to organise the future. Mindfulness can help us to get out of that cycle of thinking and get us to focus on what is happening in the moment and bringing moments of peace throughout the day... A mindful minute (or more!) is like a mini-break for the mind. How about trying a mindful moment with your next cup of tea or coffee?
As you savour your drink, keep your mind in the moment by being aware of your drink using all your senses. You can as you drink, choose to pay attention not just to the taste, but also the colour, the smell, the temperature and even the sound of your drink in the cup or glass. If your mind drifts off, as it probably will, just notice that and encourage your focus back to these mindful moments. Even a simple mindfulness practice is trickier than you'd think, but as with anything, the more you practise, the more you will notice your mind can return with ease to its focus on the present moment.
(Photo courtesy of Castle Farm Cafe, Midford) Why not use mindfulness to increase the benefits of your massage with Anne-Marie by enjoying a herbal tea with mindful attention before your massage to encourage relaxation? That way you can get even more from your therapeutic massage. Enjoy your mindful moment! Ali Ali Binns - Mindfulness Training and CBT, Bath - Follow Ali on Twitter & Facebook for more helpful tips!