Mindfulness Daily Check In 7th November, 2018
Hello all of you!
How are you all today? I hope everyone is well and happy wherever you may be! This is a simple check in today and I wondered a few things about your journey of mindfulness and what it means to you!
1. What does mindfulness mean to you?
2. When did you first include mindfulness into your routine?
3. How has it changed your life?
4. What are your favourite mindfulness practices?
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1. What does mindfulness mean to you?
Mindfulness is vital I feel for enhanced mental health well-being. It is a wonderful tool that I hope improves so many lives. I am so encouraged by all of the feedback from people suffering and how this helps them.
2. When did you first include mindfulness into your routine?
I would say in 2015, I really started practicing as I began yoga and meditating as one of my best friends happens to be a yoga instructor so this has been something since then I have done mostly daily and I love it more and more each day!
3. How has it changed your life?
For me it makes me calmer and more peaceful. People ask me how I am so calm and I'm thinking "really!!" but I guess I am calm and I really do believe this is because of my constant mindfulness practice daily that has really helped me tune into more peaceful elements of my personality. The people I work with have told me how mindfulness has really improved their lives.
4. What are your favourite mindfulness practices?
I personally love scents and sounds and the ocean and and and!! :) I love nature and I am lucky to be surrounded by it so when I am in nature, I am naturally very mindful.
@LisaDeRegtMBPsS
Lisa hey and thanks for this-made me even think
I agree as mindfulness is a vital tool for everyone to try/use to help them along the way dealing with mental health stuff. We are happy to have a therapist in our area and also give some thoughts and ideas on your views as well. Wow you been doing mindfulness for awhile-neat. I am well afraid to take yuga-for 1 reason only. The ladies my friends share theat they were nervous of stretching and well they tooted and never went back to that class
heehee but this is something I am willing to look into. I too- see a bit of calmness idk about peace but more acceptance in me. People say it's " God's holy spirit in me" but what they don't know is it's mindulness-lol I am really glad mindfulness has been bringing you this joy and comfort in yourself. Oh yes-yes the sounds of the ocrean are wonderful to focua and calm down on. Smells too-but Im not one on smells maybe on food smells and well notice other smells-lol/
Thank you Lisa for sharing with us
@RumpleSteeleSkin
Thank you Rumples for your beautiful replies as always!
I would love to hear that one day you tried yoga even if it means doing it like I am now... infront of my TV :) I used to go to many classes but now I live remotely I prefer my at home practice. Yoga I think could really suit you and it brings so much internal peace when it becomes a regular practice. I am really glad to be here and think of you all as some of my new friends as you are always so welcoming.
Whatever it is associated with it is truly a positive feeling and that can only be a good thing :) Mindfulness is powerful and it changes so many lives. Have you tried essential oils? My favourite! I love jasmine and orange, rosemary too!
@LisaDeRegtMBPsS
hahaha Lisa I was going to attach a funny yoga pic, but idk if it was totally appropriate. Funny yes tho!
Yes I think at home doing this I can start with. It will be better if I try it at home before I join a class.
@RumpleSteeleSkin
I am intrigued now!! :) Yes try it at home and then when you get used to it then you can maybe branch out to a class yay!
@LisaDeRegtMBPsS
1. What does mindfulness mean to you?
Mindfullness is when I either meditate or take a nap and clear my mind of things that are giving me an upset feeling.
2. When did you first include mindfulness into your routine?
My routine is to read or nap
3. How has it changed your life?
It has made me learn how to calmly work on things that are upsetting to me.
4. What are your favourite mindfulness practices?
sitting on the beach or outside my home when the sun goes down or comes up.
@pamharley003
HI Pam good to see you
ahhh a nap is key!! I like how you shared mindfulness is like clearing your mind of things upseting you. So for you reading and napping is mindful for you-great. Yes mindfulness does help on calming us more on upsetting things that are around us that affects us. Oh man to sit on the beach I'd give up all my cookies. The sounds are so many and most definately of mindfulness. Also to sit outside when sun goes down is also very realxing. Thank you Pam for sharing
@LisaDeRegtMBPsS
Hi Lisa, thank you for your much appreciated check-in 😊
What does mindfulness mean to you? To me it means being aware of what I am thinking - is it helpful or hurtful - , what I am doing, - what are the consequences of my action -, experiencing my surroundings - smelling the fresh air, feeling the ground underneath my feet, knowing that the tree will give me shade when needed
2. When did you first include mindfulness into your routine? I always tried to be mindful but unfortunately got "off the path" here and then, since I am here it became my daily wish to be as mindful as possible
3. How has it changed your life? It changed my life in many different ways, mostly in the way I experience more peace inside
4. What are your favourite mindfulness practices? I am a meditation girl, mostly vipassana meditation but yoga too
@amiablePeace77
i really enjoyed reading your post, Ami~ it's a great way to get to know people here, better. i tend to think that people who are competent have been at it a long time, but your progress has been quite rapid, and lovely to see~! 
@GustyOne4U
thanks Gusty 😍, so many wonderful people here to learn from (one of them is called GustyOne4U, you know them?)
@amiablePeace77
HIya sweet Peace wonderful to see you todayWow Peace you hit it on the head there!! Mindfulness is all about being aware without judging. Just be! I am glad that you choose mindfulness to be a part of your day. It really is helpful on all things we do. To experience just some peace in our lives is-well an awesome feeling. I really am glad you found mindfulness and it brings you more peace. Yaga is awesome to meditate with. I have not tried it but maybe soon. Thank you Peace for sharing
@RumpleSteeleSkin
thanks Rumple.🧡
@amiablePeace77
Wow - your post on surroundings :) how beautiful and relevant. I love mindfulness in this grounding form too.
@LisaDeRegtMBPsS
Thank you Lisa
What does mindfulness mean to me?
it means noticing when i am on 'automatic' and putting those thoughts and feelings back in 'idle'. but more, it means having choices, the ability to accurately assess and respond to both internal and external events.
When did i first include mindfulness into my routine?
well, i have always been 'hypervigilent', but that is not always the same as being 'mindful', is it ? 
i remember first taking up Awareness after my brain damage, i was at terrible risk of having habits that no longer fit my abilites. as it turned out, i really liked paying attention to the current sense of 'reality', (tho i did do a lot of 'story telling' for a long time). then, about 20 yrs ago, my "Fate", "Karma" or whatever kicked in and i was taken to some meditations at a local retreat center. there i learned things that changed the way i looked at the world. then, along with acupuncture and the support of a therapeutic (brain repair) soundtrack (called Binaural Beats), i began to Awaken. my brain began to rebalance itself, and i 'recovered' from several major psychiatric conditions. i was hooked. i meditated like my life depended on it (which it did); and the results were far greater than i could have imagined.
How has it changed my life?
well, i wouldn't have wanted to experience these latter years with out the skills that i got from meditation and Brain Training (both cognitive and physical). i find that i can be happy with no reason at all, in the face of desperated times, and tremendous challenges.
What are my favourite mindfulness practices?
well, i like to watch my virtual aquarium and feed my virtual fish while i listen to the binaural beats. i like to play solitairre (which i swore i would never do) because it is a 'mindless' activity: no intrusive thoughts or emotions. so, in a way, mindfulness and mindlessness are very much alike to me... i take the middle path: aware but not reactive.
@GustyOne4U
Nice you are here Gustyoh wow I love that you shared that yes we have choices. Sometimes it can be hard to choose something positive but then sometimes we do not and that is ok too. WOW Peace thank you for sharing how mindfulness came into your life. I am sorry about the brain injuries but also I am grateful those special people worked with you and introduced you to meditation and mindfulness. And look at you now- a sweet person ah yes you are right hun, you can and deserve to be happy even through those trying times in your life. Ha omg I want virtual fish much easier to take care of lol. I am really smiling now from what you shared and to know mindfulness has really helped you in your life. hugs
@RumpleSteeleSkin
i would love to set you up with a virtual aquarium, it's a free extension from Microsoft Store, AquaFish... 
@GustyOne4U
Wow, this post is amazing and your strength in finding yourself and your mental health is amazing too. The progress you have done has come so far too.
@LisaDeRegtMBPsS
Hey Lisa good simple check-in
1. What does mindfulness mean to you?
Mindfulness to me is something that is helpful for me in my life. A very special and unique skill that is free and always there for me when I am "willing" to accept it.
2. When did you first include mindfulness into your routine?
OMG I forgot how long it's really been since I first applying mindfulness into my life. I know it was when I was having a rough time in life, mental health symptoms were very high, docs were giving me more pysch medications and my relationships were all failing. I was attending community Uni and there I saw a poster on the Community Wall and started going to the classes. Did that for 3 years and then I was assiting leading DBT classes.
3. How has it changed your life?
Mindfulness has helped me greatly. One ay is managing my emotions/thoughts. I used to be very-very bad on my emotions. Still I am needing more work. Also on the intensity of these emotions and thoughts. I do not react so high no more. Still working on this daily. Also mindfulness skills has helped me as a parent cope and support my oldest wgo struggles with Autism and ADHD
4. What are your favourite mindfulness practices?
Grounding Skills
5-4-3-2-1 just observe and discribe
@RumpleSteeleSkin
.... and look at how far you have come :) I am truly so proud of you and you lead DBT classes... wow! I could see one day as training as a therapist as you have such compassion, warmth and empathy. The world is a better space with you in it. 100%!
@LisaDeRegtMBPsS
1. What does mindfulness mean to you?
To me mindfulness is being with my entire body, not just my brain. Normally, in everyday life, our minds go in overdrive with worrying, shooting hormones and impulses everywhere and always busy with the past, the future, anything but the now. For me mindfulness is turning this off the best I can. I reign back my thoughts and emotions and settle myself in the now. I feel my body the way it is, without judging the way it feels. I quiet my intrusive thoughts, and when they return I gently acknowledge them and turn them away. This way I can be optimally aware of my body and mind.
2. When did you first include mindfulness into your routine?
I started when I went to yoga once with my best friend. I was struggling with panic attacks and had an overall busy life I couldn't quite manage. The first routines were mostly breathing exercises to calm myself, but lately I practise a couple of times a day. I notice that when I'm concentrating on my work, I forget to pay attention to my body and its needs, so I try to take five minutes every few hours or so to sit back, close my eyes, and do a full body check. Do I need something to drink? Eat? Do I need some exercise? Or am I feeling anxious for some reason?
3. How has it changed your life?
It has changed my life in every single way I can imagine. I used to have lots of mental breakdowns, usually in the form of aforementioned panick attacks. I won't pretend like anxiety doesn't play a role in my life anymore, but I have accepted that, and cater to my needs instead of ignoring them. I feel better, I sleep better, and I don't have these terrible lows in life that I used to have. Also, it has given me a great confidence boost to be able to take control over my own body and mind, my thoughts and bodily reactions to stress.
4. What are your favourite mindfulness practices?
I really like body-checks, because in our everyday busy lifes it is easy to forget about our body actually feels. Other than that I like confirmations to boost my self-confidence, and get myself ready for the day.
Thank you for this check-in, it was eye-opening to think about these questions and write them down. I hadn't even realised how far I've come until I started writing this down
@JayTheBird14
HIya Jay wow it really is nice to see you hereThat is great that mindfulness feels to you like you are with your entire body. It is a good feeling to be totally connected. Well glad that frined took you to that yoga class as it seems that got you going to meditate and learn more on mindfulness. It does keep us more focused and alert in everything we do. Wow I do love you to shared on "take control" like have choices to determine how you want your body and mind to feel. Mindfulness I've seen. heard and even experienced does help panic attacks and anxiety issues as well as some mental health syptoms. Body checks are wonderful-I am glad you like them and they help. Confirmations are a good mood boost as well as keep you in the here and now about some truths we tell oursleves. Thank you for sharing this with us
@JayTheBird14
Wow, look at all of the changes you have made and how far you have come! Truly incredible :) How did yoga change your life would you say? Thank you for such a beautiful post and it highlights just how incredible mindfulness is.
@LisaDeRegtMBPsS thanks for this great checkin
1. What does mindfulness mean to you? Mindfulness means something different but right now it means feeling a connection to my breathing and my body and accepting what is happening in my world and realizing we are all family. We all have the DNA of a tribe of 26 people in Africa so we really all are family!
2. When did you first include mindfulness into your routine? First thing in the morning, when I do mindfulness sessions and discussions at 7cups and right before going to sleep.
3. How has it changed your life? I feel less stress and more in the flow of life. The past seems more like a dream and the future seems more like a fantasy. Only in this moment do I feel solid.
4. What are your favourite mindfulness practices? I like to see and listen to videos in the mindfulness video resource library. https://www.7cups.com/forum/MindfulnessSupportCommunity_106/ResourceLibrary_1062/
@soulsings
HI Souls wonderful to see you todayYes Souls you shared exactly what mindfulness is to you. Connection to body and breathing,being a part of what you are in the world. And wow on sharing of the family stuff. I did not know that about you Souls but it does sound exciting. That is great you do mindfulness through out your day. I am not so dedicated all through my day, but I think I do it more then I realise. It is good you have a strict routine on this tho! I am happy to hear that mindfulness has helped you feel less stressed and more with the daily flow. Also I like how you described how the past and future for you is now. Thank you for sharing with us Souls and I have this link opened as at noon today I'll be doing this for mindfulness.
@soulsings
You are always so resourceful :) Thank you so so much and I am loving how mindfulness has changed your life and stress levels too.
@LisaDeRegtMBPsS
Meditation and Calming music in the morning.
Namaste.
@Roxy0007
Roxxy good to see you
Meditation and calming music sure are true mindfulness!
@LisaDeRegtMBPsS
Mindfulness to me is being in the moment with no judgment towards thoughts or anything around me. I started practicing about 6 years ago while I was in an emotionally abusive relationship and it really helped me. I stopped for a few years when I felt better and wish I had kept it up. I finally just started again and really notice a difference especially when I'm stressed out. My favorite practice is meditation. I just started a new series from Bill Harris that you can get on your phone. The first few guided meditations are free and then you need to subscribe - but to me it's totally worth it. I find his meditations very beneficial and he has lessons incorporated as well. I still want to learn TM some day. :)
@Antares127
HI Antares good to see you todayYes mindfulness is just as you shared on how it feels for you- being in the moment with no judgement. Im glad you came back to doing mindfulness and that it helps you with your stress. I've heard good things about meditations with Bill. I'm happy to hear this app helps you out. Yes meditations do really help out with many things in life. Thank you so much for sharing with us
@Antares127
Mindfulness in the abusive situation you experienced clearly improved your life so much and you really have come so far which is just wonderful through your hard work! :) It shows just how much you can do!