Summertime is the perfect time to expand mindfulness moments. The days are longer, and so everyone wants to relax.
Additionally, summer is filled with terrific triggers for the senses. There are ample opportunities to breathe, focus and also to appreciate what life has to offer.
Stretch out the little moments into longer periods of mindfulness. Heighten awareness in order to Be Here Now. It is important to realize that this will deepen joy.
The trick is to incorporate little moments of mindfulness into each day. Then go further by elongating them.
Summer as a Positive Trigger for Mindfulness Moments
Summer itself offers such rich opportunities for moments of mindfulness. Notice the positive summer triggers. Then use them as a reminder to breathe, focus and be fully in the moment.
For example, here are just a few of those triggers:
- The moment when you first dip your toe into a pool, lake, or ocean
- The way the summer heat prickles on your bare skin
- The first lick of a popsicle or alternatively when you bite into a piece of fresh fruit
- The smell of food searing on the grill
- The laughter of children home from school for the summer
- Each stop on a road trip
Many of these things are unique to summer. You probably have more time to notice them even if they happen all year long. Take advantage of this time to turn the triggers into mindfulness moment.
How to Make Any Trigger into a Mindfulness Moment
Make a list of these triggers. Then commit to noticing each time that they happen. Furthermore, use them to remember to engage in mindfulness moments.
Breathe
Learn one or two meditative breathing techniques. One simple option is to inhale for a count of four, hold the breath for four, and exhale for four. Pause and do this each time that you notice a positive summer trigger.
Attend to Your Senses
Mindfulness practice means noticing what is happening right at this very moment. Therefore, pay attention to each of your five senses.
For example, as you bite into fresh corn on the cob:
- Savor the taste of the kernels. Notice the sweetness. Then notice any additional flavors.
- Notice the texture. Feel any salt or butter on your tongue. What does the corn feel like in your hands?
- Breathe in the aroma. Corn off the grill is a great summer scent.
- Listen to the crunch. Corn has a specific sound; can you hear it? With the next bite, can you hear it again?
- Look closely at the food. How many shades of yellow are in each kernel?
Engage your senses in all summer activities. It will enrich your entire season.
Express Gratitude
Take the time to say thanks. Have gratitude for the long days of summer. Then amplify that gratitude by noticing each special moment during those days.
How to Extend Mindfulness Moments
Every moment of mindfulness brings joy. Consequently, you can deepen that experience.
Here are some key ways to prolong mindfulness moments:
- Linger in the experience. Summer is the perfect season to have an open schedule. Don’t rush from thing to thing. Instead, hang out in the grass, at the beach, or in the cool air of a movie theater. Linger, savor, and enjoy each activity.
- Create a daily ritual. Take a morning walk before the heat sets in. Watch summer sunsets. Eat dinner together in the backyard. Practice attending to your senses during these rituals.
- Start a meditation routine. Use the extra sunlight hours to wake up early or conversely to stay up late. Incorporate longer periods of meditation into this time. Guided visualizations are a good way to get started.
- Point out mindfulness moments. Let your loved ones know what you’re enjoying in each moment. Their joy can amplify your own.
- Keep a summer journal. Increase your attention by writing things down.
With mindfulness, you can access your own inner wisdom. Learn more about my therapeutic approach HERE.