Mindfulness and Intentionality

Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the current moment, without judgment or distraction. It is a form of meditation that can help you focus on your thoughts and feelings, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your overall well-being. Mindfulness can be practiced in many different ways, such as through breathing exercises, yoga, or simply paying attention to your surroundings.

Mindfulness training appears to be getting popular in the business world, and many large corporations have been incorporating mindfulness practices into their culture. For example, companies such as Google, Apple, Procter & Gamble, General Mills, Mayo Clinic, and the U.S. Army offer mindfulness coaching, meditation breaks and other resources to their employees to improve workplace functioning.

The introduction of mindfulness in corporate settings still remains in early stages and its potential long-term impact requires further assessment. Mindfulness has been found to result in better employee well-being, lower levels of frustration, lower absenteeism and burnout as well as an improved overall work environment

Mindfulness is a way of paying attention to the present moment with curiosity and openness. It can help you reduce stress, improve your mood, and enhance your well-being. Here are some ways to practice mindfulness in your daily life:

- Start your day with a one-minute meditation. Sit comfortably and focus on your breathing. Notice the sensations in your body and the sounds around you. If your mind wanders, gently bring it back to your breath.

- Eat mindfully. When you have a meal or a snack, pay attention to the taste, texture, smell, and appearance of your food. Chew slowly and savor each bite. Avoid distractions like TV or your phone while eating.

- Do one thing at a time. When you are working on a task, whether it's writing an email, doing laundry, or reading a book, give it your full attention. Resist the urge to multitask or check your notifications. If you notice your mind drifting, refocus on what you are doing.

- Take mindful breaks. Throughout the day, pause for a few minutes and check in with yourself. How are you feeling? What are you thinking? What do you need? You can also use this time to do some stretching, breathing, or gratitude exercises.

- Listen mindfully. When you are having a conversation with someone, try to listen with empathy and interest. Don't interrupt or judge them. Notice their body language and tone of voice. Ask open-ended questions and reflect back what you hear.

- Observe your thoughts and emotions. Mindfulness is not about avoiding or suppressing your thoughts and emotions, but rather observing them without attachment or criticism. You can use a metaphor to help you do this, such as imagining your thoughts as clouds passing by in the sky, or leaves floating on a stream.

I know I have been trying to be more mindful and intentional each day.  It's coming along.  I'm also putting pen to paper to track my progress.  Have you dabbled lately with mindfulness and intentionality?

Being mindful vs. intentional

Mindfulness and intentionality are two concepts that are often used in personal development and well-being literature. But what do they mean and how are they different?

Mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment, without judgment or attachment. It is a way of cultivating awareness of one's thoughts, feelings, sensations, and surroundings. Mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve focus, and enhance emotional regulation.

Intentionality is the practice of setting and pursuing goals that align with one's values and purpose. It is a way of living deliberately and consciously, rather than reactively or passively. Intentionality can help increase motivation, productivity, and fulfillment.

Both mindfulness and intentionality are important for living a meaningful and satisfying life. However, they are not mutually exclusive or contradictory. In fact, they can complement and support each other in various ways.

For example, mindfulness can help one become more aware of one's values and purpose, which can inform one's intentions and goals. Mindfulness can also help one cope with challenges and setbacks that may arise along the way, by fostering resilience and acceptance.

On the other hand, intentionality can help one apply mindfulness to specific areas of life, such as work, relationships, health, or hobbies. Intentionality can also help one measure and celebrate one's progress and achievements, by providing feedback and rewards.

Therefore, being mindful vs. intentional is not an either-or choice, but rather a both-and approach. By combining mindfulness and intentionality, one can create a balanced and harmonious life that is both fulfilling and enjoyable.

COPYRIGHT 2007-2023 Patti Friday b.1959.