Mindfully aware

Mindfulness is something that can seem really challenging to achieve when under pressure or dealing with a great deal of emotion.

From my own experience, and from others I have worked with, mindfulness becomes a big part in helping to navigate busy times and calming overworked emotional responses.

Some benefits found when using mindful approaches and meditation are calming a busy mind whilst getting into the 'now'. Focusing and gently directing your mind on what you are doing and away from latching onto negative thinking too.

There's not one way that is best for someone to experience mindfulness and there are many different ways to be mindful too.


Yoga is a mindful activity and one that I enjoy doing for the mental focus that is required (as well as the challenge of the physical movement!).

Our yoga teacher told us about a very mature lady who she saw whilst on a retreat. This lady was in her 70's, was extremely supple and lithe for her age. She chose to rise much earlier (at 6am) at least an hour and a half ahead of the rest of the group. This lady was mindfully directing her body (and mind) to a morning routine that strengthened her physically and got her joints and muscles ready for the morning yoga session. It was proof that focus and awareness had given this lady a choice of how she wanted to be, how she wanted to feel, and then directing herself fully to that activity.

If only we were all on a retreat? It seems easier to imagine when you have not got the daily pressures of life. However, mindfulness can be used at any time. Why not go for a walk and just pay attention to the feeling of your feet on the ground? What about noticing the sounds you are making with your feet? The feeling of a breeze on your face? Making a cup of tea with absolute focus on that task, letting any thoughts 'not about tea making' to drop away until you have finished your cuppa?

Enjoy being a little more mindful today. Notice what happens when you do.

Angie :)

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About the Author: Angie works as a hypnotherapist, counsellor and coach at the Norfolk Clinic Complementary Healthcare Clinic, 38-40 Magdalen Road, Norwich, NR3 4AG. 

Call Angie directly on 07773 610816 or email info@angiegiles.co.uk 
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This moment, now

My own journey with mindfulness continues. With being in the moment. When there is a lot going on, sometimes the clutter can also clutter my mind, especially when I'm at my office, rather than where I work with clients. The noise from outside, the visual bombardment of social media, phone, computer and TV can be such a distraction in the home. I like to remember to stop and breathe. To look at nature, seeing the spring bulbs push their green shoots upwards through the earth. To listen and feel what's going on around me. I could do a lot better at this when I am feeling pressured, and I'm accepting that acceptance, takes a great deal of practice! I think when we see the 'D' of mind (see below), we know it is too easy to listen to negative thoughts or hold on to things that no longer serve us well. Something it might help is remember this little image (kindly borrowed from a wonderful blog from a lady who has gone through breast cancer) 

The lady who wrote it added a great footnote at the end of her latest blog post (22/01/2012). A statement from the wonderful Wayne Dwyer... on radiating serenity and peace: 'Radiate an energy of serenity and peace so that you have an uplifting effect on those you come into contact with. Your presence will make others feel calm and assured'                                                                                            That's something to be mindful about too, isn't it?