Mindfulness for Better Living

Transcript

[Music] The practice of mindful grounding refers to the ability to return your attention back to the present moment and remain in the present moment. There are many ways to ground yourself, including paying attention to your breath or body sensations, or identifying features in the environment around you. Mindfulness practices, such as grounding, can help us better regulate our thoughts and emotions and help support healthier behavior changes. Another way to stay mindfully grounded is by focusing your attention on an object. Let's try it together! This practice is best completed by using an object that you can comfortably hold, however, you may also place the object in front of you. We will begin and end this mindful practice with the sound from a bell. [Bell Sound] I invite you to find a stone or a safe object to hold or observe, such as a pen, stress ball, coin, or other trinket. Take a moment to shift your awareness to this object. Allow everything else in your mind to pause for these next few moments. If possible, take a good look at your object. Notice the shape, size, colors, curves, or edges. Next, if you are able, allow yourself to feel your object or imagine how your object feels. Use your sense of touch, if possible, to explore the surface you observed, noticing the texture and weight or any other interesting features. Allow yourself to focus completely on your object, anchoring yourself to this object in the present moment, breathing and holding, breathing and experiencing. You may keep this object with you, coming back to this sense of calmness whenever you choose. As we come to the end of this practice, slowly expand your awareness from your object back to your surroundings. [Bell Sound] This mindfulness practice is provided by Michigan State University Extension. For more information about upcoming health programs and resources, you can visit our website at www.extension.msu.edu/healthprograms. [Music]