The Power of Mindfulness

When life gets busy, it’s easy to find yourself in a nonstop routine that cultivates tension and anxiety. Awareness of not only your surroundings but also your inner emotional state is fundamental to yoke the energy of concentration. The practice of incorporating mindful practices as well as physical effort can help you establish a happier and healthier life. ​

Your yoga practice doesn’t have to stop when you leave the mat. Whether it’s running out of the house to pick up the kids from sports, making  dinner  for a family of 8, or even coping with a lost loved one, check out these mindfulness exercises to harness your ability to deal with life’s challenges.

Mindful Breathing
Never underestimate the power of simplicity. Maintain awareness of your breath and focus your attention on moving the breath in and out. This exercise can be done at any time of the day and in any position anywhere. The results can be tremendous.

1. Start by bringing awareness to your breath.
2. Breathe in and out slowly breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
3. Let the breath flow effortlessly in and out.
4. Let go of your thoughts including pending tasks or things that require your attention.
5. Be one with your breath.

You can continue the exercise or set your timer for as long as you like.

Concentration
Now that you’ve focused on your breath, follow your breath beginning to end. Sustain your awareness and let fleeting thoughts pass.

1. Continue breathing and relax your body.
2. Improving the quality of your concentration, let any interruptions go.
3. Count to 6 with each inhalation and 6 with every exhalation.
4. Try to deepen your breath as you continue.

Feel free to close your   eyes  and move your attention inward.


Awareness of Your Body
Tension in the body can be released by the mind. Awareness of the body can help bring oneness to the body and mind. The more peace and harmony in your breathing, the more it will reflect in your body.

1. In any position, practice total relaxation.
2. Aware of any tension in your body, practice mindful breathing.
3. Breathing into your body, bring awareness to your body.
4. Breathing out, release the tension from the body.
5. Continue the practice of releasing the tension from yourself.

Mindful Walking
Self-reflection is essential to appreciating the wonders of life and letting go of the things that hold us back. Mindful walking is a simple technique that can enable you to find your purpose, increase your well-being, and give you the clarity to navigate yourself through the world.

1. Take deep breathes and count to 6 with each inhalation and 6 again with each exhalation.
2. Feel your feet touch the ground beneath you and listen to your breath.
3. Shift your awareness to the world and your surroundings.
4. Let your mind be clear to appreciate the moment.
5. Come back to your breath counting as you return.

Slow Down
A warrior never rushes. Combat the addiction to rush and stay present. Slowing down can sometimes be the best way to speed up. Whether it’s moving slower, taking time to think about the things you speak, find perspective on balance by calming the body, mind, and spirit in preparation for meditation.

The combination of mindfulness and physical activity is the crux of combating negative thinking and emotional distress. Although this practice requires discipline and self-control, mindfulness can transform your ability to concentrate and make a breakthrough.

The focal point of mindfulness practices is meditation. The combination of physical and mental practices can train the body to stay calm and be observant. This concentration allows one to
wake dormant energy toward awakening.

Christin Lee is a yoga instructor, entrepreneur, and lifestyle blogger living in NYC. She currently writes for InsiderEnvy with an emphasis and focus on fitness, health, and universal human rights.​​​