10 Mindful Quotes to Turn to When Worry or Stress Take Over

Okay we get it, worry and stress are bad for us. As a matter of fact they not only drain us mentally but they take a toll on our physical health as well. But this post isn’t here to regurgitate all of the scientifically-backed side effects in relation to excessive worrying and stressing. Since we’re pretty sure nobody enjoys worrying and/or stressing out, we can at least take some measures to mindfully release the grasp of them when they take hold of our consciousness. Lets give worry and stress a run for their money instead of allowing them to unconscionably imprison us. Here are 10 quotes that may mindfully remind us of how unnecessary and ineffective they can be:

1. “If you spend your whole life waiting for the storm, you’ll never enjoy the sunshine.” – Morris West

2. “If you really knew what was happening to you when you are stressed, you would freak out.” – Dr. Mark Hyman

3. “Don’t let your mind bully your body into believing it must carry the burden of its worries.” – Astrid Alauda

4.

 

5. “Most of the things you worry about never happen.”

6. “Worrying does not take away tomorrow’s troubles, it takes away today’s peace.”

7. “Fear makes the wolf bigger than he is.” – German Proverb

8. “Worrying is like walking around with an umbrella waiting for it to rain.”

9. “Worry is a misuse of the imagination.”

10. “Why worry? If you’ve done the very best you can, worrying won’t make it any better.” – Walt Disney

It’s also helpful to remember that…

and also that…

 

Let us know how you mindfully deal with worrying or stress. We’d love to hear some of your favorite quotes on them as well.

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Visual Breathing Exercise

Want to take a quick break from your daily grind? Try this out for a couple minutes. Breathe in rhythm with the graphic below. Inhale as it expands and exhale as it contracts. Loosely focus your eyes on the image without concentrating too hard. Go for as long as you feel comfortable and if your breath begins to become out of sync with the image that is okay. If the image causes your breathing to feel unnatural then become mindful of that sensation and return to your natural breathing rate. Enjoy the moment and the movement of your breath within you. Enjoy!

Source: mathani.tumblr.com

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GPS for Your Mind

Just like using a GPS when we are driving or walking helps us use our time to the best of our abilities, at least it’s supposed to, mindfulness enables us to make the most of the minds we have. For one, getting to know our minds through mindfulness is comparable to using a GPS because we can understand how we automatically react to certain situations that may make us anxious, jealous, upset, etc. The way we react to certain situations becomes apparent and we can start responding to them in the best way possible. Also we can then discern what thought patterns and habits we have that we want to let go of.

(feel free to share this image!)

For example, imagine being at the grocery store with a friend. When it is time to pay for everything and you don’t know which line to pick your friend chooses a line for you. You agree with her but then you soon realize that it is the slowest line in the store. Some of us may start thinking negative thoughts until our thought process spirals out of control and we end up despising our friend just because they made a suggestion. Luckily you have been practicing mindfulness so you notice that irritation, give it space, and let it pass without allowing it to alter the present moment. You are responding to the situation instead of  letting yourself get hooked by your emotions.

Want to know more about mindfulness? Then you may enjoy How I Return to the Present Moment in 4 Steps 

How I Return to the Present Moment in 4 Steps

There are many ways to step into the present moment no matter what circumstances we find ourselves in. Here are 4 steps that I use to return to the present moment that I would like to share in order to help others find a way that works for them.

*Continue to be aware of your breath during points 3 and 4.

This short guide will not work best for everyone but focusing on the breath alone is always a good way to begin to root yourself in the present moment.

Please tell us your way of coming back to the present moment!

Did you enjoy this post? Then you may enjoy 8 Mindful Thoughts That Help Us Make the Most of Any Situation

10 Reasons To Try Mindfulness This Summer

SUMMER! The time of year that many of us have been waiting for since the last one ended. Whether you’ve been highly anticipating this summer or you’re absolutely dreading it there is one thing anybody can do to enhance it, which is being mindful. Since we want you to have the best summer possible, and the time to be mindful is always right now, we have put together a list of reasons to try mindfulness this summer.

1. It will help you experience this summer in a way that you probably never have before

Source: http://herhangibirbirisi.tumblr.com/

You’ve been doing front flips your entire life, now it’s time to do backflips.

2. Some people get their bodies in shape for the summer, so why not get the mind right as well? 

3. Ensures the summer of 2014 will be one to remember

Source: http://livelifefulloffun47.tumblr.com/

We have all experienced many summers that we have forgotten or we wished we could redo. Don’t let this summer pass you by!

4. It will help you touch nature on a deeper level

Source: http://relax-be-breathe.tumblr.com/

Elevating your awareness allows you to experience nature in the purest form possible.

5. Allows true love to become possible but not necessarily with someone romantically

Source: weheartit.com

6. You may realize that a sunset is one of the best shows you’ll see all season

Source: http://zhuzz.tumblr.com/

(Is that even a sunset?)

7. The sun won’t be the only thing that will spread the light

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/loleroca/

When you live in the present moment you beam light from the inside out and brighten up our surroundings, just like the sun does.

8. Helps you handle the heat better

Source: http://summerismyeverything.tumblr.com/

Just because your ice cream may melt doesn’t mean you have to. Being mindful helps you have the best state of mind possible when you find yourself in extreme heat.

9. It will make you want to collect moments not things

10. By being present for everyone and everything around it can help others have a better summer too 

Source: http://ladycotton.tumblr.com/

 

Thank you for reading and may you all have a wonderful summer, whether mindfulness is a part of it or not!

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8 Mindful Thoughts That Help Us Make the Most of Any Situation

Many of us often find ourselves in situations that we deem as less than ideal at the time that we are involved in them. Sometimes all we need is a shift in our perception in order to make the most of our respective situations. Here are eight reminders to use when we want to motivate ourselves to live the present moment to the fullest.

1. Through full engagement we can gain joy in everyday life.

Source: giphy.com

“We need to be aware that every second of our life is inestimably precious and have the intelligence to decide to make the best use of it for our own good and the good of others.” – Matthieu Ricard

2. Imagine how much better off you’ll be after this activity if you give it your full attention now. 

You can do it!

“Look at the situation you are in and immediately, without delay, arouse fervent devotion.” – Tennyi Lingpa

3. Use everything in life as a learning experience. 

4. Drop any notion of how you think conditions should be and surrender to the current situation at hand. 

(go with the flow instead of fighting the waves)

“Surrender to what is. Say “yes” to life — and see how life suddenly starts working for you rather than against you.” – Eckhart Tolle

5. Life is too short to always depend on the future to make it be better. Do your best to make the most out of the present moment and cultivate happiness sooner than later. 

“Transform our way of perceiving things, we transform the quality of our lives.” – Matthieu Ricard

6. Whatever we our doing right now is playing a part in shaping our future and the future of our environment. 

Source: http://movemequotes.tumblr.com/

7. People may be depending on us, no matter how small what we are doing may seem. 

Source: http://www.pinterest.com/rfleroux/

8. We should have nothing to regret in life, just lessons learned. 

 

 

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14 Quotes That Inspire Us To Live In The Present Moment

In the spirit of Mindfulness Day, the free online awareness event that begins on May 4th held by our friend the Mindfulness Coach, here is a list of quotes that we can refer to at anytime to inspire, motivate, and help us live in the present moment.

1. “A hero is someone who understands the responsibility that comes with his freedom.” – Bob Dylan

2. “Realize deeply that the present moment is all you ever have. Make the NOW the primary focus of your life.” – Eckhart Tolle

3. “If you are depressed you are living in the past. If you are anxious you are living in the future. If you are at peace you are living in the present.” – Lao Tzu

4. “Be Yourself. Life is precious as it is. All the elements for your happiness are already here. There is no need to run, strive, search, or struggle. Just Be.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

Source: http://montywinters.com/

5. “Put your heart, mind, intellect, and soul even into your smallest acts. This is the secret of success.” – Swami Sivananda

6. “The clock is running. Make the most of today. Time waits for no man. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. Today is a gift. That’s why it is called the present.” – Alice Morse Earle

Source: http://www.albumdigitalfoto.com/

7. “The future is completely open, and we are writing it moment to moment.” – Pema Chodron

Source: http://sosexybaby.tumblr.com/

8. “Be here now. Be someplace else later.” – David Bader

Source: fab.com

9. “You have power over your mind, not outside events. Realize this, and you will find strength.” – Marcus Aurelius

10. “Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.” – Thich Nhat Hanh

11. “Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more.” – Mother Teresa

12. “We spend precious hours fearing the inevitable. It would be wise to use that time adoring our families, cherishing our friends and living our lives.” – Maya Angelou

13. “Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it.” – Eckhart Tolle 

14. “Keep your head clear. It doesn’t matter how bright the path is if your head is always cloudy.” – Unknown 

Source: http://wewantbalance.tumblr.com/

 

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11 Ways The Mind Abandons The Present Moment

There are a number of ways for the mind to lose focus of what is important and to check out of the present moment. Understanding the nature of our minds, even just a little bit better, can add a boundless amount of value to our lives. Here are 11 ways the mind becomes removed from the present moment.

1. Expectations

Source: figandsalt.com

“Trade your expectations for appreciation and the world changes instantly.”

Having low to no expectations allows the mind to stay open to all possibilities, which makes it possible for anyone to fully enjoy the moments they find themselves in.

2. Following Thoughts

Source: gph.is/1iVcmDj

Following random thoughts not only causes the mind to lose focus but may also lead to anxiety, confusion, depression, and other negative states that can easily be avoided just by staying mindful.

3. Technology

Source: http://www.popsugar.com/

For most of us, checking our phone every once in a while has become a habit that we aren’t even aware of. In order to ensure technology is helping us, opposed to holding us back, it’s important to bring your full attention to technology as well as everything else.

4. Doubt

Source: http://wearelionhart.com/

Doubt only gets in the way of what we can accomplish.

5. Hopes & Fears 

6. Emotions

Source: http://www.anchormanmovie.com

7. Attachment 

 

Think of what causes you to suffer. Is it related to some form of attachment?

8. Habits

Source: http://www.miramax.com

Every habit we have is constantly causing us to check out of what is going on in the moment.

9. Thinking about the past & future 

10. Overthinking 

Source: heatherdaune.blogspot.ca

Overthinking will more than likely lead to negative and unnecessary thoughts.

11. Judging 

Source: http://www.warnerbros.com

Imagine how much more interesting life would be if we replaced our judgments with curiosity.

 

Did you enjoy this post? Then you may like the 10 Everyday Situations That Mindfulness Transforms!

10 Everyday Situations That Mindfulness Transforms

“Awareness is like the sun. When it shines on things, they are transformed.” ~ Thich Nhat Hanh

When our full awareness is applied to everyday occurrences they have the potential to completely transform. It also raises the quality of our actions, ultimately, improving whatever it is that we are doing. Below you will find 10 everyday events that mindfulness may change for the better.

Note: While reading the 10 points you may want to keep in mind how mindfulness would affect you when you are engaged in the following everyday situations.

1. Exercise and Physical Activity

Physical strength has been scientifically proven to be positively affected by mental focus. In fact, just visualizing an exercise routine may make us stronger. Mindfulness mends the mind and body together.

2. School and Work

Source: http://www.miramax.com/

You may not be able to solve random math problems but you’ll feel like you will be able to!

3. Music

When you have time we highly recommend that you mindfully listen to the track above, or any other song of your choice. Take in each layer of sound and as each new sound gets introduced do your best stay aware of all of them. Notice how the music makes your body and mind feel. Allow the music to be your only concern while it plays.

4. Awkward Moments

Source: http://donjonmovie.tumblr.com/

Every time an awkward moment happens we can respond in at least two different ways: by getting embarrassed or by finding it amusing. Mindfulness can allow us to switch our perspectives pertaining to awkwardness by causing us to see the big picture of the current situation. Just think of your life as a sitcom! Pretty soon you’ll be welcoming awkward moments to come your way.

5. Eating

Mindfulness heightens our senses, which causes the food that we already find delicious to taste incredible. While eating notice everything about the food in front of you. Pretend every bite is your last.

6. Showering

Source: http://nono-tropics.tumblr.com/

Simply notice your level of joy the next time you bring your complete awareness to the shower. Not only will you be clean but you will be beaming from head to toe.

7. Driving

Source: http://ilovestancedcars.tumblr.com/

How many times have you found yourself in a daze while driving? We all have! Applying mindfulness to driving will not only help keep us from chasing random thoughts but it will also make driving interesting again, much like many of used to view driving when we first got our license.

8. Dating

Source: http://despicableme.com/

Dating someone can be a let down for a number of reasons. One reason is because of expectations, which mindfulness causes us to lower and in some cases eliminate.

9. Watching ‘boring’ events take place

Source: http://kiss-me-first-tell-me-later.tumblr.com/

Notice everything about the event and beam your full attention on it as though you were the sun.

10. Feeling Happy

Source: http://www.fox.com/new-girl/

When we are fully aware of the joy in our lives we feel it, beam it, and see it all around us. Being aware of our happiness multiplies the joy within us. By the way the GIF above is how we feel when someone reads a post of ours, so thank you!

 

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10 Reasons Why I Tried Mindfulness

As many of you know mindfulness may benefit anyone that adds it to their life. There are a number of different reasons to at least try it out and here are the ten reasons why I gave it a shot.

1. Make the most of this human existence

Source: http://www.cc.com

“Do not waste the favorable conditions and freedoms that you have been granted; do not let your life be spent in vain!” – Nyoshul Khen Rinpoche

2. To stop worrying so much!

Worrying does not lead to anything positive. Mindfulness stops worrying at the root and directs our attention back to the present moment.

3. Live in the moment

Source: http://www.cbs.com

We have all experienced living in the moment. Unfortunately for most of us these points in time are brief and sporadic. Mindfulness can bring us into the moment and help us stay there.

4. Slows down life 

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You know that feeling when something happens and life feels as if it’s going in slow motion? Well mindfulness won’t do exactly that but it will help slow down life enough for it to be more manageable and enjoyable.

5. Exercise for the mind

Source: http://www.healthcentral.com/

Similar to how physical exercise has a number of positive effects, mindfulness has a variety of mental and physical benefits too. In short, mindfulness is comparable to lifting weights for the mind.

6. Understand life in a different light

Source: bit.ly/1nMgYAh

When we are mindful we obtain a clearer view of life, opposed to a viewpoint with preconceived notions that only end up holding us back. Not being mindful is similar to going through life with a veil over our heads that obscures our vision. Mindfulness leads to removing that veil.

7. Respond instead of react

Source: bit.ly/1bjDsfw

It helps us see the big picture of most situations, which allows us to put our best foot forward.

8. To use time wisely 

9. Better decision making

Source: http://www.pbh2.com/

It allows us to become aware of the effects of the actions that we take. For example, if you share this post it will increase the possibility that more people will become mindful!

10. TO BE ‘CARLTON’ HAPPY!

Source: http://www.warnerbros.com

 

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