HEY RUBBERNECKER!
4 WAYS TO MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS
Article by Denita Austin
Photo Credit: Dasha & Mari
Magazine: Issue #26
4 Ways to Mind Your Own Business
Mindfulness implies that you are aware of yourself. Now of course no one is perfect and this is an area that we all can improve on but it’s super important that we pay close attention to what we are doing in the moment. What we do and say effects everyone around us. Our decisions, emotions, reactions and so forth.
Have you ever spoken to someone that was able to tell you everything about someone else but couldn’t tell you anything about themselves? I know you know at least one person who is obsessed with the way people think and do things. The first thing that comes to mind for me is MIND YOUR BUSINESS! What advice would you give this person to help them focus on their actions and their thoughts? The next time that you experience this with a friend or associate, share this advice with them. Lets’ say the person name is Linda. I would say Linda, instead of focusing on that person and what they are doing, think of it this way. You should observe yourself as though you are watching a movie to learn more about your extraordinary traits and attributes. This is a different perspective that you don’t typically do in your daily life however I recommend trying it. As you go on to explain to her gently, when you are mindful of yourself, you begin to see what you are creating. Our thoughts are so powerful that we tend to forget what we can manifest into existence.
Now by this time, I’m sure Linda is looking up at the sky with her eyes rolled in the back of her head in disgust. She is not interested in anything that you have to say. I encourage you to go on with the conversation. Linda, observe yourself and how you interact with others. Ask yourself these questions. Was I mindful when I brushed my teeth this morning? Was I mindful of how I spoke to someone over the phone today? Was I mindful when I looked at myself in the mirror? Was I mindful driving in traffic? Was I mindful when I decided to judge someone I barely knew? If not, are you really living? Or are you just alive?
We are so use to our routines that we are not aware of our surroundings or interactions. Usually we see the same thing every day because we simply think, feel and do the same thing. When we are mindful, we will see differently because we are awake and actually living. You will see life in a completely differently light. By feeling and being aware of every moment will spark creativity and will create a mental space that is stress free.
Since I am such a huge fan of building relationships and connections with others, I’ve noticed over time that as we immerse ourselves into the moment, others notice. As we becoming present through mindfulness, we see others inviting us into interaction because people want to be around others who are willing to invest time. I’ve also noticed that the more aware we are of the greatness of others, the more likely we will receive the positive energy in return. This encourages others to strive through the very initiative we nurtured through our presence of mind body and spirit.
Here are a few healthy suggestions to become more mindful or should I say to Mind Your Business
1 :: Take a morning or evening walk without a destination. Let go of all thoughts of a schedule or agenda and simply allow yourself to go wherever your mood takes you. Surrender to the flow of life. This will also be your moment of self-love and empowerment.
2 :: Do one thing at a time. I understand the importance of multitasking but I recommend Single-task. It will help you in the long run. When you're pouring water, just pour water. When you're eating, just eat. Take your time with each task. When you are speaking to someone, give them your undivided attention. This is a great technique for reducing stress.
3 :: Next time your phone rings, resist to the urge to answer. Let it ring a couple of times as you collect your thoughts and prepare to answer. You should also consider turning the phone off during certain periods of the day. We all need to tap into this area of self-improvement and discipline.
4 :: Before Bed, sit in silence. Breathe slowly and deeply, allowing yourself to let go and simply be. This simply means turning the TV off and not using it as company until you fall asleep. This is where the crazy dreams appear in your head. This is the key ingredient for holistic living one step at a time.
Add these healthy suggestions into the daily routine and I assure you that you will see the difference within yourself. As things happen and as we maintain presence infused with stillness, we are more likely to accept them without judgment of ourselves or others.