Zen

Complete attention is the application of one hundred per cent of your brainpower to the moment. Through your fullest attention, you have the opportunity to not only focus on the moment, but also to be an observer of yourself. As the observer of your mind, you can notice when your attention starts to drift and stray thoughts appear seemingly at random. The instant that you lose complete attention, refocusing on the moment will assist you in pushing the encroaching thoughts or emotions to the periphery of your mind.

Many of us have actually fallen into a pattern of unconsciously hurrying through our lives. As we rush through life, we do not see the world around us or within us, which is impacting our health and our happiness. Take a short time to focus your mind on just one thing, you will be surprised at how this can help improve your day.

If you are being mindful of your thoughts, feelings and emotions, then you have the opportunity to no longer end up being lost in these aspects, and then have the chance to choose how to respond or act. Try to take the seat as the active observer, by viewing your thoughts and emotions from the outside looking in. This will help to improve your awareness, allowing you the opportunity to pause your thinking, then choose to change your way of thinking or respond differently.

Appreciation is an often forgotten virtue in today’s contemporary world. It is simply the quality of being thankful, or the readiness to reveal gratitude and to return kindness. Through giving appreciation to others, you are expressing a sense of kindness which can stream on your words or through the deeds of your actions. So take the opportunity to express some appreciation into the world around you.

Seize the day to celebrate your life and the achievements you make daily. Do not dwell on the unimportant things which you might have done better. If there is a possibility for improvement, then use this time wisely to acknowledge the opportunity which is being presented. Remember your achievements and keep their memories alive as you live your life with awareness.

Do not let feelings win, control & overwhelm your life. You need to make every effort to let go of any negative feelings so that they do not end up being a controlling aspect. Attempt to be an observer of feelings as they spill into your life, rather than being drowned in their torrent. © TLFI Limited

Focus on the space between thoughts – gradually this quiet space will grow, to provide you with an opportunity to have some calmness of mind, from which you can continue with your #mindfulness or #meditation. © TLFI Limited