The New Way To Finding Calm

Living in the “now” is the newest mantra for a life well lived. Experts say practising mindfulness helps bring calm and boosts productivity

- Sarah Stubbs

What do Google, Goldman Sachs and Transport for London have in common? They all swear by mindfulness to enrich the working lives of their employees. And the good news is you too can bring a bit of mindfulness into your nine-to-five routine.

So what exactly does it entail? Well, here’s what it isn’t; it’s not about emptying your mind of thoughts and it’s not a simple relaxation technique. Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment in a nonjudgemental way. You’re not trying to analyse or change anything; you’re trying to bring about greater self-awareness, to get familiar with the patterns of your thoughts and emotions.

What’s more, mindfulness can help tap into your creative potential. If we’re always thinking too far ahead, that can really limit our thinking. Whereas if we’re present, we’re more open to unforeseen possibilities and that can open up our thinking. Here are some mindfulness exercises to try…

Best For Commuting

MEDITATION OF SOUNDS

WHAT’S INVOLVED? If you’re on the bus or train, it’s very sensory. Pay attention to the movement of the vehicle, the temperature – as long as you’re using something physical and sensory to ground you, that’s being mindful. It might be that you think your surroundings smell horrible and they’re loud, and this makes you feel irritated, but that’s still being mindful because you’re aware of the present moment. That’s often the misconception – that mindfulness has to be in an idyllic, relaxed setting. It doesn’t. Mindfulness is about accepting things the way they are.

Best For Office Workers

THE BREATHING SPACE MEDITATION