Since the middle of April this year I have spent over 68 hours in meditation and completed just short of 270 sessions ranging from 3 minutes to 40 minutes in duration. My average time of meditation is around 15 min per session and I often end up doing more than one session a day. All of this has helped me live a far more mindful life.

What does that mean? A more mindful life.

Firstly, I find I am far more present in my surroundings. Whether that be alone on a walk or engaging with people, I am more focused on being fully immersed in the here and now and not caught up over thinking or wondering what to do or say next.

Secondly, I have found this to have a huge impact on my work with clients. I have no anxiety about needing to come up with any answers or solutions. I can listen fully to my clients and really pay attention to not only what they are saying but also to how they are saying it, and what it really is that they are trying to get across. Most of us are not very good with words, ask anyone who feels misunderstood about saying something that escalated into an argument. Many of us will ask a question when we should be requesting our intention.

For example:

My bugbear with this was always as follows: “Gabby, would you like to go have a bath?” To which I would always get the same reply, “No thanks Dad.” So, I would then need to say: “It is bath time, please go bath.” And so, the dialog would continue.

Now I simply tell the person what I would like. For example, I now say: “My Gabby, it is time for you to have a bath, please will you go bath now.” No question, and it works for both of us.

This works with my clients as well, especially when closing a cycle of coaching. I listen, I understand what the client is looking for and then offer them a solution which I then follow up with my request. My request is that I would like them to get started on the program with me right away.

Has it been worthwhile? In my mind, undoubtedly so. (did you see what I just did there….In my mind… 😊 ) Yes, without a doubt, it has been worth every single minute. In fact, not a day goes by in which I do not practice at least one form of mindfulness.

Over the next few posts, I will expand on some of the other benefits that I have gained from my mindfulness practices.

I would like to encourage all of you to go mindfully into this weekend. That does not mean that you need to sit in quiet contemplation, but rather just be present in the moment. Whether you are enjoying a beer with friends, having your haircut or sharing a meal with your partner. Soak up the moment, take note of the smells, the sounds, the sights, the taste and your feelings and emotions. Let it be like a multi-dimensional photograph, one that you can replay next week when you stuck in the traffic or daydreaming in the office. Try it, I can guarantee that you will thank yourself.

Follow my facebook page My Every Day is a Holiday to get a glimpse into the journey of mindfulness as it unfolds in my life.