Live Each Experience with Open Arms
Five key steps to practicing the profound experience of mindful stillness.
Hi, y’all,
As a nun, I learned that mindfulness is a way of life. It’s about being fully present in the moment and embracing each experience with open arms, a symbol of receiving all with an open heart and mindset. Today, I want to share how mindful stillness can help you embrace each experience with the fullness of your being.
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Let’s dive into this week’s newsletter.
First, some easy micro-mindfulness tips – actions you can do in less than 3-7 minutes at a time.
Micro-Mindfulness Tips
Ponder this Quote
This is how we are: we fall in love with each other's strengths, but love deepens towards permanence when we fall in love with each other's weaknesses. ~ Salman Rushdie in THE GOLDEN HOUSE
A prompt for reflection and journaling:
What is one way you are loving others in their weakness?
Mindful Action
Here’s one actionable tip for practicing micro-mindfulness this week – a brief activity you can do in 3-7 minutes.
Mindful Apology: Think of a recent small mistake and mentally apologize sincerely.
Journal Prompt
Take a moment to reflect on your day before journaling. Be mindful of what grabs your attention when you pay attention.
Journal Prompt: How does listening enhance your understanding of others?
Reflect on One Mindful Thing
Here are a few suggestions for micro-mindfulness reflection and action. Choose one mindful thing or another practice to try this week.
Quiet the noise of your mind by practicing mindfulness. Take a moment to breathe deeply and focus on the present. Your mental clarity and peace await.
Embrace the power of self-reflection. Take a few moments each day to pause, breathe, and check in with yourself. What thoughts are running through your mind? How are you feeling physically and emotionally? Practice mindfulness to cultivate self-awareness.
Embrace the stillness within you. Take a moment to sit in silence and feel the peace that comes with being present.
Practice the art of self-compassion today. Treat yourself with the same kindness and understanding you would offer to a friend in need.
Pause and take a moment to appreciate the beauty around you. Let nature's serenity wash over you like a calming wave.
Insight
5 Key Steps to Practicing the Profound Experience of Mindful Stillness
Mindful stillness is the art of being fully present in the moment.
It’s a skill that can transform your life, and it requires practice and intention. These steps will help you along the way, making the practice a profound experience.
#1. Start with Breathing
Breathing is the foundation of stillness. It’s about becoming aware of your breath. Focus on the sensation of air entering and leaving your body. This simple act centers your mind and anchors you in the present.
#2. Set a Consistent Time
Consistency builds habit. Choose a specific time each day to practice stillness. The mistake many make is trying to fit it in randomly, which leads to inconsistency and frustration. Stick to your time for it to become a natural routine.
#3. Create a Quiet Space
Environment matters. Find a spot where you won’t be disturbed, and make it your stillness sanctuary. A cluttered or noisy space can hinder your ability to focus, making it harder to reach that calm state. Keep your space simple and free from distractions.
#4. Embrace the Silence
Silence can be uncomfortable, but it’s where true stillness lies. Resist the urge to fill the silence with thoughts or distractions. Instead, let the silence wash over you. It’s in this quiet that you’ll find clarity and peace.
#5. Be Patient with Yourself
Stillness is a skill that takes time to develop. Don’t get discouraged if it feels difficult at first. Remember, every session is progress, no matter how small. Be patient, and the benefits will come.
By practicing these steps of mindful stillness, here’s how it can help you embrace each experience with intention and depth:
Heightened Awareness: You create space to truly notice what’s happening around you—sounds, sensations, and emotions—with clarity and presence.
Strengthened Intuition: You tune into your inner voice, helping you make decisions from a place of deep self-awareness.
Improved Patience: You become comfortable with pauses and uncertainty, leading to thoughtful responses rather than impulsive reactions.
Deeper Connections: You are able to be fully present with others, leading to meaningful interactions and a strong sense of connection.
Increased Gratitude: You are able to reflect on what is going well, cultivating gratitude for even the small, often overlooked aspects of life.
Key Takeaways
Quote Reflection: Love deepens when we embrace each other’s weaknesses. Reflect on how you love others in their weaknesses.
Mindful Action: Perform a “Mindful Apology” by mentally apologizing for a recent small mistake.
Journal Prompt: Reflect on how listening enhances your understanding of others.
Micro-Mindfulness Suggestions:
Breathe deeply and focus on the present for mental clarity.
Embrace self-reflection to enhance self-awareness.
Practice stillness and experience inner peace.
Treat yourself with self-compassion.
Appreciate nature and find beauty in your surroundings.
Mindful Stillness Tips:
Focus on your breathing to center your mind.
Set a consistent time for practicing stillness.
Create a quiet, distraction-free space.
Embrace silence to find clarity.
Be patient as stillness takes time to master.
Benefits of Mindful Stillness: Increased awareness, strong intuition, improved patience, deep connections, and heightened gratitude.
That's it!
Thanks for reading. I appreciate you being part of the journey. See you next Sunday.
Denise
I'm a former nun who became a big-tech risk manager. I want to help you find stillness in the ball pit bouncy house of life. For more resources on micro-mindfulness, go to denisepyles.com.
Author of A Glowing Ember of Courage—Ponderings, Poetry, and Prayers, the children's book It's Just a Little Rain and Song, and other Books on storytelling.
How I Can Help You
Are you sometimes easily distracted by your thoughts or all the digital shiny objects? If so, you might want to try my course on learning micro-mindfulness practices to help you increase resilience at startmicromindfulness.com.
Are you gaining some traction in practicing mindfulness? Want to take it to the next level of consistency? Consider my 14-day one-sentence consistent mindfulness journaling challenge at 1sentencejournaling.com.
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