The definition of mindfulness is paying attention, moment by moment, to whatever is arising in us, without judgement, and with compassion. In this way, we are not resisting the present moment however we are experiencing it. And when we give up resisting, we find peace. The art of accepting ourselves, and others becomes a path to peace and self-acceptance.

I often wonder, if the whole world practiced some form of mindfulness practice, then no one would have to act out their feelings because we’d be managing our own reactivity. Could mindfulness save the world? I think it could, but how could we get everyone to practice? Maybe one way is to understand that many actions could lead us to that same place, if we use those actions for the purpose of becoming present, coming into the here and now. And, in truth, almost anything could be used for that, because anything we are bringing our attention to other than our thoughts can become a mindful practice. Ultimately, anything that creates a gap in our thoughts is mindfulness, because our thoughts are mostly past regret and future fear.

The Buddhist nun, Pema Chodron, says that as soon as we notice we are hooked and on automatic pilot, that our usual tendencies are brewing, we should stop and take 3 conscious breaths; It is a simple, yet powerful practice, Pause Practice, that you could do at any given moment. And this practice can transform every day of your life.

Or, the simple mantra by Thicht Nat Hanh, “Breathing in, I'm breathing in, breathing out, I'm breathing out; This moment, wonderful moment.”

Not feeling so Buddhist?  No problem. Here are some ways that can feel fun and mindful at the same time:

-Doodling- put on some earphones, grab your pen, and just see where the pen wants to go

-Taking some pictures- grab your camera and go out and focus on something -whatever captures your fancy. You could make this a 365 day challenge.

-Cooking- many people love the calm and focus that cooking provides (for some of us, not so much). 

-And my favorite-decorating and moving furniture –pure concentration and joy.

-And a major favorite-go for a walk. You could focus on nature, say a mantra, count your steps, or just enjoy your walk.

And I love many of the suggestions mindfulness teacher Shamash Alidina talks about:

-Use everyday occurrences as a mindfulness reminder, like every time the phone rings; schedule mindfulness moments in your calendar; put a picture on your desk that you use as a mindfulness reminder; get some bells and use them as a moment to practice creating that gap in mental noise.

-Making friends with stress, instead of letting it scare you.

-Practice Gratitude – it's been often said, but the evidence is overwhelming that a gratitude practice creates all of life feeling better.

And, to me, a most meaningful one- cultivate an attitude of humility. How does Humbleness contribute to Mindfulness? As Aldinia says, Mindfulness is about accepting yourself just as you are, and being open to accepting others and what they have to contribute. And someone who is humble is grateful for what others can bring to the moment.