The 3 minute breathing space?

Probably the most important aspect to using mindfulness in our everyday life is finding a key to remember to use it! We need to find regular ways to check in with ourselves, bringing our awareness to our body and breath during the day.

The key for you might be some regular action you take, for instance when you have a cup of tea or coffee, or a drink. Or perhaps when you see a particular object like a bird or tree.

You might want to choose a particular card or message that you keep in your bag or on your work space. Then each time you notice it you are brought back to your intention of practicing mindfulness.

At these times, when you remember to bring your mindfulness to your body and breath, notice your breath, the actual physical experience of breathing, the felt experience of your feet on the floor or ground. Then notice whether you are sitting or standing, walking and so on. Notice how your body feels. The real felt experience, is your body stiff or relaxed? Are there any sensations of softness or tension? Is there anything else about the experience of your body right now?

Finally taking a kindly regard and an attitude of I wonder what is happening ? notice any particular states present in your mind right now. This need only take 3 minutes and is not obvious to anyone else.

Travelling on the bus, train or tube, can be an ideal way of checking in with ourselves and remembering the key to practicing mindfulness.. Instead of finding ourselves automatically perhaps, falling into frustration about the state of the traffic, lateness of the trains etc. We can ask ourselves what is happening right now, in my body, with my breath and mind? What stories am I playing out in my mind? Is my mind here in the present with me, or in the future or the past?

By practicing these 3 minute breathing spaces regularly during the day we are creating a positive habit that allows us to be more present in the moment.

When we are present to ourselves we are always in a better position to act. We are not lost to ourselves in the past or future, places that we cannot act from now. When we are present to ourselves, we have all the full potential of our mind with us. This allows us the space and attitude to act from a creative and wise mind.