4 Mindfulness Strategies to Support You on Your Path

I have walked this path of self-discovery for some time now.  More than just a mere destination.  It has been an experience of quiet wisdom, kindness, and joy.  I find myself truly in the now.  Giving myself permission to lean into the challenges of life with a compassionate heart and a non-judgmental attitude.  This path has gifted me a deep sense of freedom, abundance, and peace with every breath I take.

Here are 4 mindfulness* strategies that have nourished my growth and supported my path into one of success.

1. Listen to Your Quiet Wisdom & Trust the Authority Within Yourself

Many of us have been conditioned to rely upon the wisdom of others.  Wisdom from our family and friends, education and employment, social media and government, and much more.  Rather than entrusting your complete self to these outside influences, what if you began to look inward for guidance?

There is an energy within you.  A quiet wisdom honoring your wellbeing.  Always speaking with a kind and gentle voice.  This wisdom cares deeply and will not lead you astray.  Fiercely protecting you with compassion.  Listen carefully and you will feel it.

Trusting your quiet wisdom creates space for transformation.  It knows your needs and understands your suffering.  It will be patient with you.  When you open your heart to this kind voice, life becomes purposeful.  You begin living with discernment and clarity.  Fear, anger and anxiety that was once present will dissipate into nothingness.  A pathway of hope, confidence, joy, and loving kindness will be inspired.

2. Speak Wisely

The Buddha taught us to be conscious of how we communicate.  Speak with purpose and truth.  Create harmony with our words.  Listen with compassion and empathy.  When we speak from an open and pure heart, our words become a gift of peace and joy.

Communication patterns are deep rooted.  Our cultural, familial, and other significant environmental influences shape our language.  Many of us have developed habitual communication barriers that “just get in the way.”  We are unable to have meaningful conversations and connect authentically with one another.

Take a moment to reflect on your own patterns. Do the following sound familiar?

• interrupting while others are speaking
• having to be right all the time
• using sarcasm
• becoming argumentative
• not listening
• speaking in a harsh tone to mock or belittle another
• gossiping
• telling mistruths

How can we begin to communicate mindfully?  The following questions are a skill set that can be applied to your daily conversations. Gentle reminder, how you speak to yourself is just as important as how you communicate with others.

• Are you speaking from a place of love and kindness, truth and compassion?
• Are you listening with an open heart?
• Are you fully present in the moment?
• Are you being empathetic?
• Are you self-reflecting before you respond?
• What impact do you want to have?

How we communicate comes with great responsibility.  We can choose to create peace and unity or promote fear and division with our words.  What will you choose?

3. Sacred Pause

Distractions, pressures, feeling overwhelmed, sleep deprived, unable to catch your breath - does this resonate with you?  You are not alone.  Life in these modern times feeds into the unhealthy cycle of surviving rather than living.  How can you reconnect to your authentic self?  Slow down? Remembering the inherent goodness of who you are?

The sacred pause allows you to be in stillness.  To self-reflect without judgment.  With a kind awareness, you create space to be fully present in the now.

By pausing, you empower yourself to think, speak, and behave with purpose and compassion.  Witnessing when you become impulsive, use unwise speech, and disconnect from yourself and others.