In the nonprofit sector, we strive to be mindful of others.
But what does it mean to be mindful in a general sense?
Mindfulness is often simplified to appreciating the little things in life.
Sipping your coffee slowly.
But there’s more to it than that.
Being “mindful of the present moment” is focusing on what’s in front of you.
It means listening to others instead of waiting for your turn to speak.
It means staying connected with what you can do in the present.
When you practice mindfulness, it protects you against:
1. WORRYING ABOUT THE FUTURE
Anxiety is always about the imagined future. It’s good to be informed, but if you let the future carry you away, you give away your power. Doomscrolling social media keeps you frozen, looking out for the effects of harmful policies on yourself and the people you care about.
2. GETTING DISTRACTED BY THE PAST
Sometimes it’s hard not to wonder about missed opportunities, the “should haves” and “would haves.” But they’re gone! The best way to honor them is to become a person who can make more effective, values-guided decisions in the future. How? Focus on the present.
Mindfulness takes practice. No one is 100% mindful.
It starts by paying attention to your mental chatter.
When you hear your thoughts, label them “future” or “past.”
Then take a deep breath and remind yourself:
“This is the present moment.”
Labeling helps let go of what’s not “NOW.”
Don’t let the future weigh you down.