How to Practice Mindfulness: Any Recommendations?
The boys and I have been obsessed with watching the reality TV show Alone. It’s about 10 survivalists who are competing to endure the wilderness for as long as possible. Each person is completely alone. Therefore, they even have to film themselves! I didn’t realize that watching this show would lead me down the path of asking how to practice mindfulness.
We started first with Season 3. In that season, there’s an herbalist from Washington State named Callie. When the show first introduced her, I’ll admit I was skeptical of her ability to survive in the wilderness alone. For example, her skills didn’t seem all that relevant.
But as soon as she got into the wilderness, she was amazing! The most amazing thing was her attitude. From the very beginning, her perspective was, “What an opportunity! I am going to make this place my home.” She operated from such a place of gratitude, openness, and abundance.
Her first order of operations was to build a chair for herself. She decided it was really important to be comfortable as she enjoyed the view at the water’s edge.
She has such an inner calmness no matter what Life places in front of her.
At the end of her time on the show, she’s about to “tag out” because she has three poisonous spider bites that are infected. Her glands are swelling. And even then, she takes a whole day to walk around and visit all of the spots she really enjoyed during her time in the wilderness. She shares gratitude with each place.
And I need a little bit more Callie in my life!
So of course I decided to look for some good ol’ self-help. This book immediately caught my attention. It’s an 8-week plan for teaching yourself mindfulness techniques.
Do you all have any recommendations about how to practice mindfulness?
6 Comments
Olivia
My dad gave all three of us Mindfulness in Plain English (https://www.indiebound.org/book/9780861719068) a few years ago, and I *highly* recommend it. It’s so approachable and practical. I also have used and really liked the Headspace app off and on for years.
Sara Cotner
Love it! Thank you for the recommendation, Olivia!
rachel
A friend produces a podcast for mindfulness for kids called Best Day Yet. My 9 year old daughter and I love to listen at bedtime. She does a lot of guided journeys, focusing on breathing and animals. It’s really fun, if you’re interested in something for your kids as well!
Sara Cotner
I will look into this, Rachel! Thanks for the lead!
Carissa
Plus one on the Mindfulness in Plain English. Starting a daily meditation habit, no matter how short, is how I started mindfulness and then built in a few mindfulness habits throughout the day. When I take shower, I focus my mind only on the sensations of the shower, same with doing the dishes, etc. – it can be anything simple and routine. To cultivate gratitude, I keep a gratitude journal in the evening. And loving kindness or “met” meditations have also helped me cultivate compassion, for myself, and others. I think my best tip would be to read about mindfulness practices but not spend all your time there. Good luck.
Sara Cotner
I love the idea of building mindfulness into my daily activities, Carissa!