Covid-19 has turned our lives upside down. Life can be a lot more stressful than before and it can be hard to find a moment for yourself.
I have your solution: mindfulness!
A lot of people are quick to knock mindfulness as being a new age fad, boring or even hard to do but mindfulness can be extremely beneficial, especially now with all the stresses we are faced with.
Since I have started mindfulness, it has changed my life in three ways.
- I have become less anxious. You become much more aware of your emotions. You become more relaxed, open, receive, and let go.
- I am more present in and aware of being in the current moment. I have learnt to enjoy what I am doing right now which in turn has led to more happiness.
- I am more focused and productive.
You can do it too!
First up: Meditation.
Whether we are feeling challenged by the circumstances or frazzled from endless zoom lectures, meditation can provide a reset for the mind through a path of learning through awareness and compassion.
Awareness allows us to better understand how and why we think and feel the way we do, often resulting in a healthier perspective on life.
Compassion allows us to be not only kinder to ourselves but to others, leading to healthier relationships with partners, family, and friends.
While meditation is different for everyone, here is a simple guide that you can follow for how I like to meditate:
I like to set up my own quite space, but anywhere that makes you feel relaxed and comfortable is perfect.
I like to meditate for 10-20 minutes but you can meditate for as little as 2 minutes. While I meditate, I listen to powerful frequencies to help me focus (432HZ or above).
If I am struggling to concentrate, sometimes I follow a guided meditation on YouTube. Headspace have released a new meditation series on Netflix which is worth checking out.
I sit with my legs crossed, with good posture and palms facing up. Focusing on my breath, especially in the first 2 minutes.
I then begin Resonant Tuning. This is a way of relaxing your entire body. When I do this, I like to imagine a cleansing, purifying ball of white light that moves throughout my body, starting at the crown of my head. I inhale fresh new energy, hold my breath, and let out a big exhale, letting go. Humming is optional and keep repeating!
As the observer, let thoughts come and go, let them float away and smile! 😊
Next Step: Manifestation.
Manifestation is a practice that I truly believe has helped me to keep focused and productive during these times.
So, what exactly is manifestation?
Manifestation is bringing something tangible into your life through attraction and belief, i.e., if you think it, and it will come. However, there is more to manifestation than just willpower and positive thinking. Manifesting is making everything you want to feel and experience a reality... through your thoughts, actions, beliefs, and emotions.
Yes, this seems complicated but, it is actually very simple!
The first step to manifesting is to clearly set out your goals and intentions.
Once you have set these intentions, you need to ask for them. This can be done a few ways such as meditation, making a vision board, or my favorite, journaling.
Then start working towards your goals. Think about the steps you need to take to reach these goals and then build them into your routine.
Be mindful of and thankful for what you receive and let go of resistance or limiting beliefs. Manifestation will not reveal results overnight, however, remember that the universe only has three answers for manifestation:
1) Yes, you got it!
2) Sure, but its not the right time or
3) No, because I have something better in store. Be flexible and trust the process.
Additionally, you can concentrate on how you feel. If you want more love in your life, set the intention to be more loving. If you seek kindness, focus your energy on empathy and compassion.
So, what are you waiting for?
Finally: Get your pens out, were going to start journaling.
As I mentioned, journaling is a great way to start manifesting but that is not the only use! They are a great way to release any negative thoughts and gain more clarity and focus on your mind.
My advice: get yourself 2 journals.
One for manifesting, scripting, writing out your dreams goals and desires: building the life that you want.
The other for brain dumps, things you want to heal from, processing limited beliefs and emotional release.
It is important to keep these energies separate for them to be potent and powerful in doing what they are intended to do. Do not mix energies of the past with energies for the future!
If you are finding it hard to get started, try these prompts:
- What is the best thing that happened to you today?
- What upset you today?
- Where do you want to be in your life and what did you do today to help you achieve it?
- What is one thing you want to approach differently tomorrow?
- How have you made yourself proud today?
Here are 5 things I wish I knew before I started journaling:
- It must be a deliberate practice. You must write in it every day until it becomes a habit.
- It does not have to be perfect – you can make a mess! Write big sprawling words, make doodles, and scribble to your heart’s content! It is for your eyes only.
- You must be completely honest with yourself to reap the benefits! It will not be easy at first, but you will find it easier to open up over time! Write truthfully and openly from the heart.
- There are no rules, you can use it for many purposes! Release stress, express happiness, complain, give gratitude etc.
- Have fun with it and try to finish every entry on a positive note! Include some positive thoughts each day! Try find at least one thing to be hopeful and optimistic about.
I hope you enjoyed my guide to mindfulness.
I would love to know what you like to do to take some time for yourself - let me know, leave a comment!
Namaste my friends!
Veronica 💖
Are you looking for some more inspiration for things to do during lockdown? Check out more of our recommendations below 😘