Mindfulness is defined as "a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings and thoughts." Over the past four weeks I have taken a class all about the practice of mindfulness and how to incorporate it into your everyday life. I realized that there's no better time to practice my mindfulness than during Thanksgiving.
There is so much to be mindful about during Thanksgiving. Many people assume that we should simply acknowledge what we are thankful for. While that is an important aspect of the holiday, by incorporating mindfulness into this thankful day you are not only being thankful but you are accepting things for the way they are, good or bad. Now I know that this may sound confusing, Thanksgiving is a day to appreciate the good in our lives despite any bad that may be present, however with mindful thinking you are allowing yourself to be aware of the present moment without judgement.
However you spend your Thanksgiving whether it be at a table with loved ones, or perhaps at work I encourage you to be mindful for at least five minutes. To be mindful you must first be aware that the goal isn't to achieve a quiet mind or to let go of any thoughts. We all have thoughts good and bad, and by being mindful you must acknowledge those thoughts without judgement. We all have good and bad things going on in our lives, no one lives a utopian life, however we mustn't judge our thoughts. During these five minutes allow your thoughts to pass through your mind, acknowledge them and let them go on their way.
Take a deep breath. Be aware of your surroundings, and notice how your body feels in however position you are in. I like to pay particular attention to my feet and their connection to the ground. I imagine roots attached to my feet and these roots extend deep into the floor and through it into the earth below the foundation of the building that I am in. This awareness of the connection of my feet to the ground makes me feel grounded and lets me truly be in the present moment.
Next find a mindful practice that works for you. My personal favorite is the Gatha which is a breathing meditation that uses specific words as a focus. There are many ways you can practice this.
A simple one to follow
Inhale: In
Exhale: Out
Inhale: I am calm
Exhale: I smile
Inhale: I am in the present moment
Exhale: This is a precious moment
Thanksgiving is a great time to appreciate the little things in life. You can use mindfulness to further that appreciation and to be aware of the present moment. Other than allowing you to be thankful, mindfulness has been proven to reduce stress and improve overall happiness when practiced regularly. For a college student around final time there's nothing better to combat the stress of finals.
This Thursday I encourage you to take five minutes out of your day to try some mindful practice. Even if you don't understand it, the practice itself could help improve your mood that day and maybe allow you to have an even better and more thankful day.
