by Clayton Hobbs

We live in a fast-paced world—we seem to do everything in a thoughtless rush. We get up in the morning in a daze, we shower in a hurry, we brave traffic, and we arrive at work in a mindless haze.

Most of us work jobs we are not passionate about. Some days we work hard … some days we coast through, waiting for the day to end. We don’t take the time to pursue our career or personal goals. Why? Because we just can’t find the time.

We put in a day’s work, we clock out, and we commute home, exhausted. We do this for five days or more—and then we collapse into our weekend. Saturdays disappear as we cook, clean, do the laundry, and catch up with family routines and responsibilities. Finally, we embrace Sunday as the one day of the week we can really relax and rejuvenate. By Sunday evening we’re preparing to face the week ahead.

We live our lives mindlessly, using the food we eat, our entertainment, and our personal relationships to distract us from taking care of our minds and bodies. We fuel ourselves with cups of coffee “to keep us alert,” and feed our families unhealthy food and sugary, carbonated beverages that are convenient but harmful. We know that ideally, a well-rounded lifestyle should consist of balanced nutrition, a healthy diet and exercise, the pursuit of hobbies and passions, meaningful interaction with family, and investing time in healthy relationships. Last but not least is that key component we often overlook in our crazy-busy lives: proper, restful sleep.

But despite our best intentions, few of us live this healthy, balanced lifestyle. Our hectic lives leave us feeling helpless, uninspired, overwhelmed. Are we really, truly living? For those happy few who approach life with “mindful awareness,” the answer is “No.” The truth is that the standard modern lifestyle is mindless.

When was the last time you admired a sunrise? Listened to the birds chirping on your way to work? Stopped to appreciate the beauty of the flowers growing in your neighbor’s garden? When was the last time you thought about your life and smiled? These are questions you need to ask every day. Do you want to answer “Yes?” Imagine how your life could change if you welcomed present-mindedness and gratitude into your everyday reality.

Wanting more is not a bad thing. When we take positive action for the right reasons, we see positive results. When we don’t apply a proactive attitude toward things we want to improve, our lives become increasingly unbalanced—and positive change rarely occurs. If we lack symmetry in a key area, by acknowledging it, by applying conscious effort, and by managing our time well, our desire for change can bring balance and help us experience life with more joy.

—Excerpt from: IndiGrowth Health and Wellness’ Workbook for Creating a Balanced Life in an Out-of-Balance World.

What does being mindful mean

Being mindful brings clarity, a sense of well-being, a sense of control, and ultimately, inner contentment. Normally, our minds work like machines—they work 24/7. We are in constant motion, thinking, feeling, flitting from one thought to another; from one task to the next … endlessly. As a result, our minds are tired, dull, slow. Noisy thoughts and gloomy emotions cloud our thinking; we end up a hot mess. Edgy and upset for no reason, anger creeps in … and when we’re angry there is no room for happiness.

Awareness may peek through our chaotic emotions from time to time, but our negative thoughts overwhelm us and cloud our clarity. This is when we need to practice mindfulness, for where there is mindfulness, there is peace, calm, and joy. We are aware of what is happening. This awareness helps us to shed negative thoughts and in the present moment, our minds find balance.

Being mindful—finding peace—doesn’t mean you need to meditate for hours. Being mindful will not eliminate your problems or make you unable to feel painful emotions. But it will ground you, help you tap into your inner knowing, and help you understand the reasons you feel the way you do. Being mindful will help you make peace with your past, discover who you are at your core, and give you the skills you need to improve your relationships.

Mindfulness doesn’t take a lot of effort. You can practice it while travelling to work, while sitting in a bus, even at your desk. All you need to do is be ‘AWARE.’ Where are you? What are you doing? Allow your five senses to take in everything around you—see, hear, feel, touch, and taste the world around you in an active way. Be childlike—engage with the world joyfully. We are all born with the ability to embrace happiness and joy. As children, many of us embraced this easily and naturally—but for many of us, our joy has been lost along our journey. At IndiGrowth Health & Wellness you’ll learn about holistic living, how to lead with love, and find grace in everyday life.

If you want to live mindfully, ignite your passion and purpose, and pursue an insightful, uplifting, and inspiring life, the e-books, books and audiobooks available on our IndiGrowth website will act as a step-by-step guide to help you live life aligned with your true nature.

Do you want to reclaim, restore, revitalize and your life? Our IndiGrowth team can help. We have developed a guide to help you reevaluate your life, reconnect with your authentic self, and overcome life’s challenges. We want to help you create harmony and balance in your life. Check out our “Shop” section for our e-books, audio and print books. We think you’ll love our Health and Wellness Workbook for Creating a Balanced Life in an Out-of-Balance World @ http://indigrowthhealthandwellness.com/.