Being in the moment - with your host Valerie

Send us a text

In today's episode we'll delve into the importance of being fully present in our daily lives. 

Understanding Presence:

1. Being present means consciously directing our attention to the here and now, immersing ourselves fully without judgment.
2. Benefits include reducing stress, improving relationships, enhancing happiness, and improving physical health.

Overcoming Distractions:

1. Common distractions include technological devices, ruminating thoughts, and multitasking.
2. Strategies for overcoming these distractions and staying present in the moment.

Mindful Practices for Daily Life:

1. Mindful Breathing: Focus on your breath for a few minutes each day.
2. Mindful Eating: Pay attention to the colors, textures, and flavors of your food.
3. Mindful Walking: Notice the sensations of walking, the environment, and your body’s movements.
4. Mindful Listening: Give full attention during conversations.
5. Mindful Observation: Observe your surroundings and notice the details.
6. Mindful Journaling: Write about your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
7. Body Scan Meditation: Bring attention to different parts of your body to notice sensations.
8. Mindful Stretching: Incorporate gentle stretches into your routine, focusing on sensations.
9. Gratitude Practice: Reflect on things you’re grateful for each day.
10. Mindful Technology Use: Use technology with purpose and awareness.
11. Mindful Daily Routines: Turn routine activities into mindfulness practices.

Nurturing a Present Mindset:

1. Cultivate Awareness: Notice your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.
2. Embrace Acceptance: Accept things as they are without judgment.
3. Cultivate Gratitude: Appreciate the small moments of beauty and joy.
4. Practice Non-Attachment: Let go of the need to control outcomes.
5. Engage Fully: Show up fully in every aspect of life.
6. Stay Curious and Open: Approach each moment with curiosity and openness.

Personal Story: Valerie shares a personal story about practicing presence during a stressful situation with her 19-year-old child. By choosing to stop and breathe instead of escalating the situation, she was able to respond with empathy and understanding, highlighting the benefits of being present.

• Books:
  • "Wherever You Go, There You Are: Mindfulness Meditation in Everyday Life" by Jon Kabat-Zinn
  • "The Mindful Brain: Reflection and Attunement in the Cultivation of Wellbeing" by Daniel J. Siegel
• Websites:
  • mindful.org
  • Center for Mindfulness Studies (Toronto-based)
• Apps:
  • 10% Happier
  • Smiling Mind 

Start with one or two practices that resonate with you and gradually expand your mindfulness toolkit.

Don't forget to rate and review the podcast.

Music Acknowledgement: Audio Coffee - Denys Kyshchuk

Link for book: The S.H.I.N.E. Principle: The special needs mom's path to strength, hope and happiness by Valerie Arbeau

https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0CW18ZXGX   (Canada)
https://a.co/d/dTxzjp8 (USA)

Learn more about your host at:
https://coachingwithvalerieanne.com/