Use meditation to integrate mindfulness and appreciation into your daily life.
Stocksy / SHAPE
In 2023, stopping to smell the roses isnt exactly our default setting.
Meditation isthe practiceof attending to the mind through physical and mental techniques.
This wellness heros history dates all the way back toas early as 5,000 BCE.
Non-judgment is the crucial ingredient, adds Limbach.
Mindfulness is a way of receiving our experience in an open, lighthearted way.
Theres a buoyancy to it.
Its sort of a gas, once were able to drop into it.
Take a warm mug of coffee on a cold, rainy morning, for instance, says Limbach.
We can feel the smooth ceramic mug radiating warmth against our palms.
We might smell the earthiness of the beans and feel our toes nuzzled in cozy socks.
Name another practice that can do that.
3 Ways to Meditate for Mindfulness and Appreciation
We could all use a little bit more gratitude.
Practice 1: Honoring Our Efforts Meditation
Not quite ready to shut your eyes yet?
As time passes, you may also offer this exercise to someone else in their life.
Honor their daily efforts and say, Thank you.
The exercise:Close your eyes and pay attention to your breathing.
What sounds do you hear?
How close are they?
What is the texture of the clothing on your skin?
Can you smell anything?
If so what is it?
What about this moment is particularly sweet, beautiful, or comfortable?
Let your attention linger here for a few moments.
Photo:Stocksy / SHAPE
It can really be as simple as that.
Rather than blowing these moments off as boring, let them mean something.
The exercise:Pause.
Getty Images
Plant both feet on the ground.
Notice: Are you standing on carpet?
How firm is the floor?
Getty Images
Bring your attention to your breath.
How does it feel to be right here, right now?
Getty Images