Practice vs Theory

There are many many books and apps out there now about mindfulness, and how it can change your life. It's fantastic to see that such a helpful tool is becoming so popular, but buying a book, or downloading an app, will not make the change happen. 
What will make the change happen, is to do a Mindfulness practice daily. If you have an app on your phone use it. If you have found a practice you like, do it. 
I know from my own experience that buying the book and reading it can make me feel better about myself for a short while—I like the idea of myself practicing a new skill, I like the feeling of trying one or two exercises from the book and thinking about how good I will feel if I do this all the time. But I know all too well that unless I turn these thoughts into action, nothing will change.
If mindfulness is not a part of daily life, you or I won't come to know the benefits of it. 

Here is a basic grounding practice that brings you out of your thoughts and into the present. I suggest you do it in the morning to set your compass for the day to come. 

• Stop what you're doing and take a few belly breaths to bring you into your body.
• Bring your attention to your senses:
• What are you seeing right now? What's in front of you?
• What sounds are you hearing?
• What smells are around?
• What can you taste? Your toothpaste? Your morning coffee?
• What physical sensations are you experiencing? Feel your body against the chair, feel your skin against your clothes, the air against your skin.
• Return to your day.

Challenge yourself to do this very simple (and free!) practice every morning for the week to come, and see how it makes a difference in your day.

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"Knowledge is of no value unless you put it into practice." - Anton Chekhov

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