Mindfulness is the term used to refer to the constant awareness of what is happening in the present moment. By staying in the moment, you will fully experience now what is happening to you. Most people achieve mindfulness through meditation, but there are some who find the practice very intimidating. Fortunately, achieving mindfulness isn’t just about meditation because there are other alternatives to try.
Walking
Walking is probably one of the best alternatives to meditation that you can do anytime you need to clear your mind, or if you just want to achieve that calm and relaxed state. Try walking letting your thoughts pass you by, and you will find that you become more aware of the people around you, the sky, and even how your feet feel as they take you to your next destination.
Yoga
Practitioners of yogis will tell you that this exercise is not about the different poses in which you flow, but rather the meditative effects. When you move from one position to the next, you’re not only building your muscles and enhancing your flexibility, but you’re learning how to accept the discomfort you’re feeling in a detached way, too.
dance
Some of us turn to dance as a form of meditation because we allow ourselves to be carried away by it and be one with it. As we dance, we let ourselves distance ourselves from the thoughts constantly running through our minds and focus instead on the present moment, the way we flex our hips, the sound of clapping, or the movement you make with your partner just to name a few. Becoming in the moment is all about mindfulness.
coloring
Another mindful alternative to meditation that is becoming very popular nowadays is coloring. This technique was popularized by Jung, whose patients were asked to draw mandala patterns in addition to coloring them. You see, coloring requires you to be aware of what you’re doing to avoid stepping out of the lines. When you start to color, you become so immersed in it, that you cover the entire page with colour. When you see the pattern you create, you will find that your work has also become more satisfying.
cleaning
Who would have thought that cleaning could be an alternative to meditation? Well, if you have been doing your own household chores, you have probably found yourself in your work and not thinking about anything else. This could be something as simple as washing dishes, ironing clothes, etc. When you put yourself in the moment, you are able to fully experience the work and are able to do the job better as well.
tai chi
Tai chi is often referred to as movement meditation and this is absolutely true as there are similarities between tai chi and meditation. Those who practiced this ancient art were found to have better verbal learning, larger brain size, as well as improvement in dementia to name a few. Another advantage of it is the fact that it reduces the risk of women developing cardiovascular diseases.
breathing
Take a moment to think about your breathing, how your chest rises up and down, the quality of your breathing, and how the air flows inside you before expelling it through your nose. There will be moments when your mind interferes during this practice but learn how to put it out so you can get back to your breathing and learn how to become mindful too.