Mindfulness meditation involves deliberately paying attention to one’s experience in the present moment with a sense of openness and gentleness. Oftentimes the breath is used as an anchor and neutral point of focus. So often we are caught up in our thoughts such as regrets or stories about the past or planning or worrying about the future that we fail to fully experience the reality of our present experience. Mindfulness can be done anywhere and anytime, and can take just a minute or two. Of course, the more you practice it the more it will be cultivated and become part of you. An easy suggestion to practice mindfulness is:

STOP

S=Stop and slow down
T=Take a few slow deep breaths, noticing the sensations of your inhale with your chest and belly expanding and then the release as you exhale
O=Observe thoughts, emotions and body sensations
P=Proceed with awareness and curiosity

Susan Bauer-Wu, PhD, RN