A Mindful Moment Monica Biswas

Paying attention to our bodies is a powerful and accessible way to bring us into the present moment.  Your body is with you wherever you go, and so once you learn this technique you can practice anywhere.   

Sometimes thinking turns into ruminating or obsessing and can make us feel stuck.  It's also not helpful for our brains!  Connect with your senses and with nature to open up new neural pathways in your brain which will reduce stress and create new possibilities.  Shinrin - Yoku is the Japanese practice of spending time in a forest for the purpose of increasing wellness and improving health.  

Time Required: 


Suggested minimum of 10 minutes, but could certainly add time if you have it! 

You’ll need:


A Forest location [arbnet.org]- arboretum, tree-focused garden
Good walking shoes
Water

Body Position:


Sitting
Walking

Happy New Year!  On this episode, I share one of my new years intentions, my experience with anxiety, and a mindfulness practice using lemons!  Focusing on each sense, one at a time, can help bring us back to our body, and to the here and now.   



You'll Need:

2-5 minutes

Lemon and knife

Body Positions: sitting or standing



Reference:  

Wild Hair Ventures: https://www.wild-hair-ventures.com/

This episode includes inspiration from the Hamilton Musical, as well as an opportunity to doodle mindfully with Zentangle.

Time Required:
10 minutes or more

You’ll need:
3.5 inch by 3.5 inch sheet of white paper
Pencil
Fine-tipped black pen/marker

Body Position:
Seated at a table

Pen Option: https://www.papersource.com/desk/black-micron-05-pen-0-45mm-084511306448.html

YouTube Inspiration: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ej3oG_NjYJo
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_yBGVONBOKU

Another situational mindfulness exercise. In this episode, I explore an uncomfortable emotion using a body scanning technique. See if it helps you loosen the hold of that emotion on your body and mind.

Experience "micro moments" of mindfulness in the course of your normal (hectic?) life by connecting with your shoulders throughout the day. I call this Situational Mindfulness.