Welcome to Day 62 of the Wellbeing 9-a-Day blog! Yesterday, I looked at what I have learned about Setting Goals, and I set some intentions for the remainder of my time with The Wellbeing 9-a-Day Journal. In today’s blog, I look at the lessons I have learned about Being Mindful, and I share my plan for being present in my last month of this challenge.
Lessons Learned
When I started my journey with The Wellbeing 9-a-Day Journal, my Being Mindful goal was to do 1 minute of box breathing four times a day.
This goal has been a helpful reminder to connect with the moment each day, and I have been able to hit my target on most days, often spreading my box breathing out over the course of the day.
In recent weeks, I have found that my practice has stalled a little. Instead of spreading it out over the day, I often find myself doing all four minutes close together later on at night.
Though there is room for improvement in my box breathing, I have introduced other mindful habits that are helping me connect with the present moment each day.
Since Day 36, I have set the goal of being outside each day. I work from home, so this reminder to be outside gives me a daily opportunity to connect with the outside world.
Since Day 40, I have also been mindfully drinking hemp tea, which has helped me take a break from everything else and enjoy the ritual of making and drinking tea.
By having multiple ways for being mindful each day, I give myself every chance of connecting with the present, especially when all three are things that I enjoy doing.
Going Forward
Now that I have looked back on what I have learned so far, it is time to look forward and see how I can use this to improve my mindfulness practices for the remainder of my time with The Wellbeing 9-a-Day Journal.
To keep me engaged with my box breathing, I am increasing my goal to 2 minutes of box breathing each time, which I will do three times a day – when I first check my journal, in the middle of the day, and when I update my journal at the end of the day.
I will continue with my daily ritual of making and drinking tea, as this is an enjoyable and mindful experience that reminds me to use all of my senses.
As we move into spring, I am going to give more purpose to my goal of being outside. Today I have planted mint and basil seeds, which I will grow in my little greenhouse outside.
Each day, I will go into my garden to check on my seeds, tend to them as they grow, and make the most of being outside. After growing seeds last year, I know that I will enjoy the process even more this time, especially now that I know what I am doing.
Call to Action!
Think about your Being Mindful goals. What habits help you to connect with the moment? By reflecting on things that have helped you be mindful in the past, you can build better habits that increase your mindfulness now and into the future.
This blog was written as part of a 90-day blog writing fundraiser for Live Well with Cancer, a volunteer-led charity serving North Tyneside and the surrounding areas. If you enjoyed this blog, please show your appreciation by donating to my JustGiving page. Every penny raised from donations or sales of the journal will help deliver workshops, events and support groups that empower better health and wellbeing for those affected by cancer, including family, friends, carers, and healthcare workers.
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