What does being mindful even mean?

Sometimes the term mindful can throw us of. Here I try to explain it simply for you.

I tend to overcomplicate this question.  So let me explain it through this simple exercise: 

Step 1) Breathe 

Step 2) Notice your breath 

Step 3) What are you thinking? 

Step 4) Try not to judge your thoughts, just notice they're there. 

Step 5) Come back to your breath

Step 6) What sensations do you notice in your body?

Step 7) Continue to breathe through judgments or expectations, the only thing that you need to do is breathe. 

Step 8) Just breathe. 

So in summary, being mindful means paying attention to the present moment, without judgement, without expectations, noticing what you are thinking and feeling and bringing yourself back to the present moment.  

Now go be mindful, grasshopper!

~erin