Step 1: Mindfulness
Our unique 4-StepsTM approach allows us to acquire the necessary skills that allow us to become more centered and balanced. Mindfulness is the first step, and it’s all about becoming more aware of what is going on around us and within us.
You can listen to this lesson as a recording, or read it below.
What is Mindfulness?
Listen — 2 min 51 sec
Becoming aware is necessary. We need to be more aware of not only what is happening around us but within us.
- Where our attention is, and our ability to notice when it has drifted and bring it back.
- Our feelings and emotions.
- Our beliefs that are causing them.
- The goals our emotions push to the top.
- Our behavioral options that our brain comes up with.
- The impact of our potential behaviors.
One thing to be clear about before we go further. Mindfulness is not meditation. Meditation is an exercise that builds the skill of mindfulness. Mindfulness is the skill, and meditation is one way of training it. You can practice mindfulness while writing, at a mirror, or in the middle of an ordinary day.
With practice, we can build this awareness skill.
Next, try a short mindfulness exercise: noticing where your attention is.