Mindfulness
Mindfulness is our ability to be completely present and aware of where we are, and what we are doing with openness, curiosity, and acceptance. It is an approach to reduce cognitive vulnerability to anxiety and emotional distress. Mindfulness can change the brain’s gray matter and regions linked with memory, the sense of self, regulation of emotions, and quality of sleep.
Paying attention to the present moment with curiosity, and non-judgment.
Practicing mindfulness can come in many shapes. Although it is an innate human ability, mindfulness becomes more readily available when it is practiced regularly. Peace in Piermont guides humans of all sizes in exercising mindfulness through meditation, gratitude, and yoga.
Ways we practice mindfulness at PiP:
Meditation
Meditation helps us train our attention and awareness; it settles our minds and allows us to connect to ourselves deeper. It’s been scientifically proven to reduce anxiety, stress and/or depression, improve emotional balance, increase memory, and increase creativity.
Gratitude
Practicing gratitude has been proven to make happier humans. It helps us focus on the good in our lives, foster healthy relationships, improve our self-esteem, and so much more.
Yoga
Yoga helps us connect our body, breath, and brain. Practicing regularly helps us foster inner peace and allows us to better care for ourselves and others.
Questions that cultivate mindfulness:
What is something you can sense (hear, see, taste, touch, smell) right now?
What are three things you notice in your mind/body right now?
What are some things that make you feel angry, sad, or frustrated?
What's something you're thankful for today?
What are you feeling right now inside your body (and where in your body do you feel it)?
How to cultivate mindfulness as a family:
At the dinner table, share a pleasant and unpleasant experience from the day!
In the car, share three things you’re grateful for.
After the kids brush their teeth at night, sit down together, set a 1-minute timer on your phone, and meditate!
All artwork is by artist and designer Sara Martin, illustrator of the Give Your Brain a Bath books series. Follow Sara’s work on Instagram! @sleepypaints