Consider the idea of becoming fully present to your immediate surroundings without the intention of interacting with them. Our current media-driven society makes it incredibly difficult for us to experience mindfulness at its core. The mind is constantly seeking stimulation, distraction, and entertainment at all costs.

For this reason, it is so important to take a social media cleanse (yeah, I said it) and try and be as present and as aware as we possibly can. It will get very uncomfortable at first and your mind will repeatedly remind you that "this is pointless," but don't give up.

Yoga is an incredible way to practice mindfulness because it allows the brain to interact with its environment through physical movements. Not only are you getting a good workout in, but you are also pushing those mental blockages that tell you "you're tired, take a break." It is within these moments of resistance that one finds the strength to overcome the negative thought patterns that consume them.

Tension arises in the body when the mind is either two steps behind -thinking about the past- or three steps ahead -thinking about the future. Rarely do people take the time to centralize the breath, quiet the mind, and set mindful intentions for the present moment. Although these exercises are incredibly beneficial for people that are struggling with substance abuse recovery, they are equally as effective for people that are merely looking to deepen their sensory experience and implement a more mindful approach to their lifestyle.

When analyzed at a microscopic level, one finds that yoga in itself was never designed to be merely a physical practice of poses. Although the physical movement is an essential component of the ancient discipline, it is only a counterpart to the mental and spiritual elements that invite personal growth.