MindIT

Lets face it, people watching would have to be one of the most entertaining past times on the entire planet. Call me crude, but watching others go about their daily lives, in some…‘unique’ ways is strangely remedial and can at times, be very, very amusing.

Just the other day I set out on a mission of my own to record human reactions to some hilarious (if it doesn’t happen to you) or otherwise extremely unfortunate day-to-day blunders.

My mission was simple; we all know that life is for living. But what did it mean to truly live mindfully in a world full of obstacles poised and ready to trip us up (literally).

After a full day of listening to teenage girls discuss why “he’s totally not keen on her anymore” and having my eyes fill with unhappy looks of stress, anxiety and sadness, as people tweeted, texted, hashtaged, Selfied, emailed and snap storied… it suddenly occurred to me that the City of Melbourne seemed to be losing it’s usually so familiar air of banter, joy and overall happiness.

So how can we bring that light back into our eyes? Is there simple ways that we, ourselves, can find our own inner peace and happiness – without the need to squawk at the misfortune of others, or roll our eyes with their success. It’s the age-old question I guess, how do we navigate our own happiness?

I have come up with 6 steps to help you, yes you, achieve a more mindful life. Essentially that means living in the present, minimizing regret and increasing your day to day resilience.

1. Identify what is most important to you

Guys this step takes no more then five minutes! Write down a list of what makes you happiest, this column should feature the little things that you could not bear to go a day without.

NEXT, on the opposing side, write down the things that make you the most stressed, anxious and unhappy. Note the juxtapositions.

Doing more of the things in the first column will nurture you and have your days dramatically improved.

This exercise is so simple, yet I’ll have you agree it is extremely, extremely effective. Promise!

2. Give a little

Altruism is a proven component of good health and happiness. It improves ones sense of meaning and boosts levels of self-esteem. According to Professor Post the Head of International research on unlimited happiness and love “contemporary studies show a profound connection between giving, and levels of joy and general wellbeing”.

… Thus the next time your feeling a little down and out, make somebody else’s day and I guarantee you’ll find that in the process, it has made yours as well.

3. Take back your power

STOP blaming others or circumstances for your difficulties. Instead identify your part in what has occurred. The most powerful thing a person can do is self – reflect. Remember that it is only you who possesses the power to change your life.

STOP waiting for others to decipher your happiness, true joy comes first and foremost from your own soul and state of mind.

4. Choose your audience

I think this is a huge one!

Identify the people who drain you, judge you or take away from your value. Sit those people at the very back row of your theatre. Metaphorically speaking, bring your cheer squad to the front. Screw the ‘sometimes’ people you have in your life, and spend your time with people who ground you, and make you feel although you are truly known.

5.Laugh

Laughter cures a multitude of ills!

Laughter is cheap therapy so use it! We all have those particular people in our lives who are just hilarious even if they’re simply eating a salad, so surround yourself with these humans – there always the best ones to brighten up a gloomy day.

6. Be kind to yourself

When it comes to all of these steps be patient. Don't judge and be open to what may follow. Treat yourself right, and be proud to walk away from anyone who no longer brings you a little piece of joy and brilliance.

Just do your best, and the best will follow.

So now your life has dramatically changed right, and I bet you’re happier already? ... Wrong!

Mindfulness is a skill and it takes time… I do not suggest that this simple blog will spur your life into some ridiculous one-direction-esque fantasy and unfortunately you will probably trip over at least once tomorrow still – but whilst you’re going about your own daily lives, ( which I know nothing about)… I hope you will take a little piece of this peace (pardon the alliteration) and attempt to live in a way that brings you nothing but vibes of adoration, brilliance and fulfillment.

Fortunately for us, the human mind is more powerful then one bad day, month or year….

So change the way you think and do, and it may just change your life.

Xoxoxoxoxooxox