The Practice of Mindfulness through Sensory Awareness
Do you go through life feeling like you’re in a daze most of the time? Could you tell someone without looking what the design is on your kid’s shirt today, or what color the mailbox is across the street?
Try something different. Stop for a moment and practice being mindful of your exact present moment. Can you answer any of these without having to think very hard?
- What color is the room you’re in right now? What colors are in the artwork? (see)
- What do you smell? Food? Coffee brewing? Exhaust? (smell)
- What does the seat feel like that you’re sitting on (soft/rough/sinking/supportive)?
- What are the textures against your skin? Any moving air? Sunshine? (feel)
- What sounds do you hear? People? Animals? Cars? (hear)
- What lingering tastes are in your mouth, or are you eating now? (taste)
These are the kinds of questions to focus on as you move through your day.
Use your senses to experience the changing world around you. Savor your food and drink. Really taste them. Visually notice the spaces you go and who is around instead of just going about with laser-like focus on your task at hand.
Practicing the deep breathing exercise in the related article and this sensory exercise will start to slow down your days, bring you greater relaxation and improved mood.