the mind in mindfulness

An aspect of mindfulness that doesn't get enough discussion is that it's about re-programming your mind. Now I'm not saying that you're secretly a cyborg or anything, but our minds are certainly like complex computers that have extraordinary capacity to change and adapt. Mindfulness is a technique for neural re-programming. A key coding tool for keeping your mind full of good programming is repetition. Let me say that again (see what I did there?), neural reprogramming happens through repeating thoughts, affirmations, actions, prayers, mantras, goals, etc. again and again. Mindfulness is a practice that takes practice. Like any skill, consistent engagement leads to expertise. If the adage that "what we believe, we receive" is true, what messages should you repeat to yourself to re-program your mind to receive what you desire most? Before we get deep into mental Python and working to achieve our innermost desires, sometimes it is useful to get out of our own way and get grounded. Here is one of many mindfulness techniques that can assist.

Senses Mindfulness Exercise:

This mindful awareness activity focuses on the senses. It is sometimes referred to as the 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, method and can help ground you in the present moment.

Settle yourself into a comfortable seated position on the floor or in a chair. Allow your gaze to soften, not really focusing on anything. Take 3 slow breaths, focusing on the sensation of each inhalation and each exhalation, breathing in through the nose and out from the nose if you are able. Next, go through each of the following, simply noticing and observing as you fill in the blanks:

"I can see...[list 5 things]"

"I can touch...[list 4 things]"

"I can hear...[list 3 things]"

"I can smell...[list 2 things]"

"I can feel...[list 1 emotion]"

Allow your gaze to soften once again and take 3 more slow breaths, focusing on the sensation of each inhalation and each exhalation, breathing in through the nose and out from the nose if you are able.