Mindfulness: Your Secret Superpower
Life can be overwhelming. That is no secret, especially if you are in college. There is so much going on at once and it can be easy to feel like you are drowning in a sea of it all, desperately trying to stay afloat. Many people let their busy schedules take over their lives - I know I once did. My life was dictated by trying to balance classes, work, family, and friends. And while I still am managing to juggle all my responsibilities, I now have my secret tool that helps me to stay on top of everything without wanting to crumble under the pressure of it all: mindfulness.
So, what is mindfulness? Basically, it means to be in control of your own thoughts by being aware and not judging them. I know this may seem silly, and many people question if and why they are not already in that position of control. However, there is a big difference between just “thinking” and being mindful about your thoughts. If you do not remain present in a current moment, it can be easy to fall victim to stress and anxiety. Anxious thoughts can take my brain captive until I am buried beneath hundreds of made-up scenarios of all my biggest worries. This is where mindfulness comes in.
In order to practice mindfulness all, you need to do is concentrate and be present. You can remain exactly where you are, whether that is sitting at your desk, or standing in a crowded line. Simply close your eyes and then be present in that exact moment. Pause what you are doing and mute all distractions by concentrating on how your body feels in your surroundings. First, I sense the pressure of my feet pressed against the floor. I notice the way my weight feels on the ground and feel the gravity pushing back at me keeping me stable. I slowly make my way up my body, focusing on the way that each body part feels in that moment.
I pay attention to my chest, feeling it expand and contract as I breathe. I feel my belly get bigger and smaller with each inhale and exhale. I feel the oxygen enter my nostrils and purposefully exhale the negative energy in me. Sometimes I will even repeat a mantra as I focus on my breath, saying something such as “I am breathing in courage and releasing fear, I take a second to feel grateful for each body part and the whole that it creates. My brain silences all of the distracting thoughts that try to pop up and solely concentrates on the present feelings of gratitude, pride, and love. These exercises help me realize that I am the center of all my actions, and I have the authority to control them.
Thoughts are just thoughts. Feelings aren’t facts. You are not your fears. Your perception is your reality. To take a page from the Buddhist roots of mindfulness, you are the sky. Your thoughts are the weather. Allow them to gently float by without giving them the heavy meaning we so often do. Being in the present moment means that you are aware and mindful of what is happening at this very moment. The warm mug of coffee in your hands. The stack of books on your table. By not being distracted by the past or worries about the future, we can be centered in the here and now, with all of your attention focused on the present moment. This helps you feel grounded and connected to yourself and everything around you. Rather than sitting on your phone thinking about all of the homework you have to do, accept it. Accept that you need a five-minute break. And then be present in that break.
You are not your thoughts; you are the awareness of your thoughts. The only way to take care of future you is by taking care of present you.
Try using mindfulness when it all becomes a little too much by practicing these simple techniques.
Pictures of my beautiful sister practicing mindfulness:
