Strategies to improve happiness often emphasize how important it is to be mindful. And, unfortunately for me, mindfulness practices almost always seem to have a meditation component. When I try to meditate, I feel like I’m fighting my brain from going where it wants to go. So, while meditation has brought tremendous value to many, it doesn’t work for me. So, the question I need to answer is, how to be mindful without meditation?
I thought there may be a few of you who have the same challenge.
So, I want to share a different flavor of mindfulness/meditation. This alternative, known as “Mind Wandering” is something I may be able to really get behind. I hope you’ll find it interesting, too.
What Does It Mean to Be Mindful?
But first, what does mindfulness really mean? Scientists can’t pinpoint where a specific thought is located; or even accurately describe how our brains process a particular thought. So, when we are trying to be “mindful” – where are we trying to focus energy?
And how can we clear our minds and be in the moment at the same time? I mean, shouldn’t we be thinking about the moment? This is my challenge. I think too much.
And I guess I’m more comfortable with the idea of trying to be present in my thinking, wherever it may lead.
How to Be Mindful without Meditation
As I’ve mentioned, it’s been a struggle for me to learn how to be mindful, especially because I have difficulty with meditation.
So, when I heard about “Mind-Wandering”, it appealed to me.
The word itself sounds realistic and natural. Because that’s what our mind naturally does, right? It wanders.
And there are reasons why it wanders to the places it goes. I don’t want to prevent my mind from wandering or steer it away from a topic it wants to explore. I actually want to encourage my mind to wander, because when it does, I think new thoughts and maybe even have a Eureka moment or two.
Mind Wandering Works Better Than Meditation (for me)
I want to watch my mind wander, almost like a third-party observer, and then maybe critique the journey. To have thoughts like, “Oh Joan, isn’t that interesting? You were going to write about a different topic today, but your mind decided to wander and look at where your fingers went on the keyboard.” Wonder what prompted me to do that?
Technically, Mind Wandering is a form of brain training.
The idea is, as your mind wanders, you are supposed to train your attention on the thoughts that are naturally showing up.
This, I think, I might be able to do! So, I’m going to give it a try.
We know for sure that anything that helps us focus our thinking in a positive direction helps us to carry out positive actions, which lead to positive outcomes and heightened well-being. There’s really nothing to lose.
How to Be Mindful (Without Meditation)
If this sounds interesting to you, why not seek out more information and give mind wandering a whirl?
Have you found other ways to be mindful without meditation?
Also, if you decide to explore Mind Wandering, drop a comment so our followers can hear all about it.
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Joan Senio is the founder of KindCompassCoach. Her career includes 20+ years as a health care executive and 15 years (and counting) as a consultant. The common thread through Joan’s professional life has been a commitment to lead, mentor and coach current and future leaders, and women from all walks of life. KindCompassCoach provides information and advice grounded in Joan’s personal experience; however, all articles are backed by research and provide facts and advice from a wide variety of experts. Joan also serves as a thought-leader for KuelLife.com and is a regular contributor to PsychReg and Sixty and Me.
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