In the routines of our daily lives, it’s easy to get caught up in what feels like a cycle of the mundane. Our duties at work, parenting responsibilities, and household chores can often leave us feeling trapped in the monotony of routine. When feeling this way, it’s not uncommon for us to set our sights on the next big thing – eagerly counting down the days our next extraordinary experience. But, what if we told you that even the most ordinary moments have the potential to inspire us and a evoke a deep sense of gratitude? In this blog, we'll explore how 'blah' moments—those times when life feels a bit lacklustre—can become opportunities for mindfulness, and we'll provide you with practical exercises to bring mindfulness into your everyday life.
We all have days where we may feel uninspired or simply not 100%. Instead of viewing these moments as negative, consider them as an invitation to be mindful – an opportunity to discover beauty in the ordinary. This can be as simple as starting your day with an intention: as you wake up, take a few moments to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply through your nose, feeling the air fill your lungs, and exhale slowly through your mouth. Set an intention for the day, and speak to yourself in the present tense when you do this. For example, ‘I see the beauty that surrounds me’ or ‘I am present in each moment.’ Using ‘I am’ statements, as opposed to ‘I will’ statements, changes your mindset and leaves no room for doubt or hesitation.
Another way we can battle ‘blah’ is to practice mindfulness while we are out walking. Whether we are walking to work, school, or simply around the neighbourhood, this is a great opportunity to turn an ordinary experience into a mindful one. Pay attention to the sensation of your feet touching the ground, the rustling of leaves, or other sounds in your surroundings. Pay attention to the sensation of the temperature on your skin; whether this is sunlight, humidity, a breeze, or the cold. By moving our attention to these sensations, we can turn a typically mundane moment into one where you are full engaged and fully present in life as it happens.
At the end of the day, take some time to sit down and reflect on the ordinary moments that brought you joy or peace. In Takalam’s build-in journaling feature, you can record exactly what was happening in each moment; exploring how they made you feel and expressing gratitude for them. Contrary to popular belief, you don’t have to had experienced anything extraordinary make it worthwhile to journal about; it could simply be a warm cup of tea or great cup of coffee, a kind word from a colleague, or the comforting sound of rain on your window. Recognizing these simple pleasures can deepen your mindfulness practice.
In the quest for excitement and novelty, we often overlook the beauty of the ordinary. 'Blah' moments can be our guide to mindfulness and gratitude. By embracing these ordinary moments and practicing mindfulness exercises, we can discover the richness and beauty that exist in the everyday. So, the next time you feel 'blah,' remember that it might just be an opportunity to slow down, savour the present, and uncover the extraordinary in the ordinary. Mindfulness is not reserved for extraordinary moments; it can enhance the quality of our everyday lives.