How do I begin to make ordinary things extraordinary?

Mindfulness can be utilized to appreciate and enhance our everyday life. If we live in the moment, our worries and hardships will disappear, and we will discover life with all its miracles. The following exercises below are great introductions into mindfulness and making the ordinary, extraordinary.

Mindful Appreciation. Notice 5 things in your home environment that usually go unappreciated. These things can be people or objects. Perhaps it is the heat in your house on a cold day, your favorite blanket on the couch, the sound of birds chirping outside, or a warm greeting from your pet. The point of this exercise is to simply give thanks and appreciation for things that usually go unnoticed.

5 Senses Grounding Exercise. When you feel yourself getting caught up in the urgency of the day, use this simple 5 senses grounding exercise to bring you back to the present:

·        5 – Observe your surroundings and name 5 things you can see. Look out the window and around your room.

·        4 – Close your eyes and listen for 4 things you can hear. Notice sounds close by and off in the distance.

·        3 – Next name 3 things you can smell. The scent of a candle, fresh air, a diffuser, etc.

·        2 – Identify 2 things you can feel. The softness of your clothes, the pressure between your feet and the floor, etc.

·        1 – Lastly, identify 1 thing you can taste. The taste of coffee, mint gum, or sweet fruit.

Studies show that an individual’s outlook toward remaining in the present moment is linked to numerous health benefits including lower levels of perceived stress, anxiety and depression, improved mood, and a sense of improved well-being.