Mindful Moments: The Benefits of Creating A Mindful Mindset
With the world constantly moving around us, and especially because of the pandemic making us even busier, we tend to forget to make time for #mindfulness. Mindfulness is beyond simply meditations or yoga; it becomes a philosophy one lives by and a vital source of energy to push one throughout the day.
There are countless benefits of developing a mindful practice –– both physical and mental. It can noticeably decrease your stress and sense of depression and can improve your concentration and well-being. And these benefits, in fact, can even impact your business –– creativity and focus will sprout even in your most distracting workspace.
Want to know how to start your journey to incorporating mindful practices? We’re here to help you. We’ve invited expert panelists Dr. Rashmi Bismark (@yoga_medicine) and Sabrina Cadini (@SabrinaCadini) to share with you the tools and resources for becoming a mindfulness master, and what other benefits exist. Missed the Tweet Chat? Here’s a recap:
Q1: The word “mindful” is so trendy these days. But what does it really mean and what does it mean to you? Is this a trend that’s here to stay? #WinnieSun
Sabrina Cadini: Being mindful means paying attention to the present moment, to what’s happening inside our mind, inside our body, and around us, non-judgmentally. It shouldn’t be seen as a trend, rather as a complimentary daily practice for optimal well-being. Whenever I bring awareness to what I’m experiencing via my senses, thoughts, and emotions, I bring more value and purpose to my daily life.
Rashmi Bismark: “Mindfulness” is used in many ways. In psychology and healthcare, it refers to the broader sense of awareness we are connected to when we are intentionally paying attention, to present-moment experience, in ways that are non-judgemental, open, curious, and kind. In my heart, mindfulness is much more than a trend. Like yoga, it is a philosophy of living and being in relationship with life that has been cherished in cultures across Asia for centuries. It’s a translation of the Pali word, sati, or smriti in Sanskrit. These words have to do with memory and remembrance.
Q2: What are the benefits of being mindful? What positive changes do you find personally that you attribute to practicing mindfulness? #WinnieSun
Sabrina Cadini: Mindfulness is connected to neuroplasticity: Our brain learns that we become more effective at everyday tasks when we are aware & observe without judgment. The brain then applies changes that improve our ability to function better. Quote - “Life is a dance. Mindfulness is witnessing that dance.” – Amit Ray
Rashmi Bismark: Relating to life with more equanimity. Equanimity doesn’t mean caring any less. It means that I can meet life and the fullness of my emotions with more clarity. This discernment lets me really contact what matters most so I can engage with life in more meaningful ways. It may not always play out as wonderful as this sounds, but mindfulness helps me remember self-compassion, too.
Christina Ann: Being mindful has provided me clarity, confidence and ease in "better" decision making. It's aided my sleep patterning and effectiveness as well as balance with energy throughout day
Q3: Let’s start at the very beginning, a good place to start. What would you recommend someone who has never incorporated mindful practices to do to get started? What small mindful habits have made a profound impact on you? #WinnieSun
Sabrina Cadini: Step 1: Start by choosing a comfortable place without distractions. Sit down with your eyes closed. Bring awareness to your breathing and what it feels like to breathe. Feel, don’t think. So true! Many people have this misconception of practicing #mindfulness for hours and they don't have the time, of course - Just a few minutes can make a big change. Step 2: Bring attention to your entire body, your surroundings, and notice without judgment. Stay focused on your breathing. Step 3: Let your mind wander, acknowledge your thoughts, then let them go. Don’t let them distract you. Stay focused on your breathing. Do this for a few minutes every day and increase as you become more acquainted with the practice. Eventually, you’ll be able to take mindful breaks anytime, anywhere, and for longer periods of time. I love to pay attention to my breathing because it symbolizes life. Our breath is in a constant state of change in our body as we inhale and exhale, exactly like everything in life that changes every day. This helps me notice and make decisions. I enjoy practicing #mindfulness while I eat, between coaching sessions, doing the dishes, and I sometimes combine affirmations. These are precious “reset” moments in my busy daily life.
Rashmi Bismark: Before jumping in, an important place to start is simply by contacting your intentions. Why do you want to develop a mindfulness practice? What is motivating you? What is it that is drawing you in? By clarifying our intentions, it helps us reconnect to purpose, especially when we feel like giving up or not making time for practice. A4a.1 In addition to formal practices like meditation and mindful movement, small habits like daily intention setting, journaling, and pausing during transitions in the day have helped me feel more present. These small pauses are often short, maybe even just a minute, to reconnect with the breath, gather my focus, and attend to what’s here.
Q4: Is mindfulness good for business? Does practicing mindfulness reflect in your career as well? How do you think your mindful practices affect your professional life / productivity / profitability? #WinnieSun
Sabrina Cadini: I believe #mindfulness is critical for business and the workplace which can notoriously be filled with distractions (especially now working from home). It can help build and increase focus, creativity, and provide structure. I practice #mindfulness for myself and my business success daily, and I incorporate it in my coaching practice as well. My clients benefit from it while they learn more about themselves and adopt healthier lifestyle choices.
Rashmi Bismark: Mindful practices connect us with our natural capacities for discernment, creativity, caring, generosity, courage, and strength within awareness. I can’t imagine those being “bad” for business. At the same time, these practices aren’t only about professional success or productivity. Mindfulness is an enduring tradition that honors our interconnectedness. It promotes compassionate, wise action to support wellness and reduce suffering in our communities. Practicing mindfulness has allowed me to listen carefully to the wisdom inside and around me. This has helped me recognize and manage times I have headed towards burnout. It has helped me draw important boundaries in my career. It has also helped me understand my strengths and get creative with the ways I serve others in healing and health promotion.
Christina Ann: Mindfulness and the "successful" business are intertwined. Ensuring decisions are aligned with and authentically express the mission
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Q5: Technology for the assist! What tools help you be more mindful? What apps / technology do you use to enhance / enable your mindfulness? #WinnieSun
Sabrina Cadini: My favorite apps for mindfulness practice:
- @calm
- The Mindfulness App https://themindfulnessapp.com
- Lumosity Mindfulness https://lumosity.com/en/landing_pages/mindfulness…A7 - You can access these useful resources:
- Mindful @MindfulOnline
- Mindfulness Exercises by @SeanFargo
- Psychology Tools on Mindfulness https://psychologytools.com/professional/techniques/mindfulness/…
Rashmi Bismark: We don’t need much to spark mindfulness. Traditionally, indigenous cultures used nature and the elements as inspiration. The sounds of flowing water, the sight of a small flame, the smell of fresh flowers - any of these could be used as a point of focus for a meditation practice. I guess those are some of the simplest “technologies.” In terms of apps, I have loved the Insight Meditation App. Another wonderful app I have been coming back to is the Liberate App which is specifically for the BIPoC community.
Q6: Who are your mindful mentors? What mindfulness masters do you follow? What books, podcasts, media, etc., have been the most impactful to your life? #WinnieSun
Sabrina Cadini: Too many to include, but my favorites are
#WinnieSun #LifeWorkBalance #Mindfulness
A8a – Favorite #mindfulness podcasts:
- Mindfulness Mode @BruceLangford
- Everyday Mindfulness Show @hduckworth
- Untangle @meditationsapp
- Mindful Mama @HClarkeFields
- Mindfulness+ @MindfulnessPlus
- Technology for Mindfulness @techformindful
Rashmi Bismark: My biggest mindfulness teachers are my kids! I have learned so much by exploring these practices with them and together as a family. Receiving training in clinical mindfulness, I have really enjoyed learning from teachers like Jon Kabat Zinn, Saki Santorelli, Florence Meleo-Meyer, and Ron Epstein. I am also currently engaged in a training program with Tara Brach and Jack Kornfield. Dharma Teachers of Color I have really been drawn to include: Ruth King, Larry Yang, Angel Kyodo Williams, Sebene Selassie, Spring Washam, Dawn Mauricio, and Susanna Barkataki just to name a few. A mindfulness master whose teachings I really enjoy is Thich Nhat Hanh. The Ten Percent Happier Podcast has a great array of wonderful teachers. Radical Acceptance by Tara Brach. Mindful of Race by Ruth King. See No Stranger by Valarie Kaur.
