BRINGING IT ALL TOGETHER: HOLISTIC MINDFULNESS FOR YOUR ENTIRE ESSENCE
So far, we have looked at how to be mindful during chaotic times, as well as how to be mindful of the body, mind, spirit, and growth. What we have not looked at is how to put all of these pieces together to have a more holistic view of mindfulness.
Why Holistic Mindfulness Matters
If you only focus on one aspect of mindfulness, you will see some improvement, but you will not reach your desired results. Use a variety of mindfulness practices to focus on the body, mind, and spirit as equally important aspects of your well being.
Several studies have shown that viewing the mind, body, and spirit as separate entities has several negative health effects on your body. For example, those who distinguish between the spirit and body are more likely to practice unhealthy habits such as avoiding exercise or eating unhealthily.
Though it might sound odd that separating the mind and body results in harmful practices, it is true. If you do not view them together, your mind does not think to connect your everyday lives and actions to either bodily consequences or mental consequences.
This should encourage you to view all three aspects in relation to one another. If your mind is not healthy, then your spirit and body probably are not either. Similarly, it can be difficult to be mentally and spiritually healthy if your body is not taken care of. Take care of your entire well being by placing significance and connectivity on the body, mind, and spirit.
Holistic Mindfulness
Mindfulness works in the same way. If you only focus on one aspect of mindfulness, the same will happen: your mindfulness abilities will be hindered, and you might not see the point in the practice anymore.
Avoid this mistake by viewing mindfulness as an intimate connection between the body, mind, and spirit. To improve any aspect of your self’s mindfulness is to improve all aspects.
How To Practice Holistic Mindfulness
The easiest way to practice holistic mindfulness is to incorporate all aspects into every mindfulness practice. If you noticed in almost all of our mindfulness practice examples, we incorporated bodily senses, emotions, and mental clarity into the mindfulness practice. By incorporating all three factors, you are practicing more holistic mindfulness.
With that being said, some mindfulness practices are geared towards specific issues. Progressive muscle relaxation is one great example of a mindfulness practice that is more geared toward the body. There is absolutely nothing wrong with practicing progressive muscle relaxation and it is actually one of the best treatments for pain.
With that being said, you should not only do progressive muscle relaxation. Instead, incorporate another mindfulness practice into your daily routine in order to have a more holistic perspective. If you like progressive muscle relaxation before bed, try creating a mindful morning routine to create more balance.
Meditation Through Yoga
Meditation can be a great way to focus on all three aspects of mindfulness. Since there are a variety of meditation practices, it will be easy to find one you like. Many people find yoga to be an incredibly helpful and enjoyable meditative practice for holistic mindfulness.
Yoga is a meditative practice that connects your body, mind, and spirit. Though it is rooted in ancient Indian philosophy and religion, it is often used today as an exercise for your mind and body. By encouraging you to be in the present and connect your mind and body together, most often through the act of breathing, yoga allows you to take a holistic approach to mindfulness.
Most yoga practices recommend moving to your own breath. This will allow you to get your mind and body in sync through the naturally produced tempo of your breath. Even though this may seem like a silly idea, moving to the sound of your breath and thinking in junction with it is an incredibly beneficial mindfulness and meditation technique.
You can start practicing yoga by going to a local yoga studio near you. If that is too expensive for you or you want to stay home, you can go online for free options. YouTube is a great source for thousands of free guided yoga sessions. Simply type “Yoga for mindfulness” in the search bar and select whichever video you want.
Recap
Always practice mindfulness in a way that emphasizes all aspects of your essence, including your body, mind, and spirit. If you only focus on one aspect, you will not become fully mindful and your health will suffer. Try to incorporate all aspects into your mindfulness training through mindfulness practices we have mentioned before or through yoga.