I want to talk to you about something people call Mindfulness. An ancient idea that was given a 20th-century name, Mindfulness is a super simple and easy to implement idea which can have a huge impact on your health, well-being, clarity, energy, and just about every other aspect of your daily life.
I’m going to share it with you in the simplest way possible. Mindfulness is paying attention to what is going on at this very moment. That’s it. So try this during your day today. Whenever your mind goes somewhere – and you’re typically deep into something – and you’re almost unconscious, but at some point your mind pops back into awareness. At that moment, ask yourself, “Where am I?,” or “What am I doing?” In that moment, your experience is transformed…
Thank you for this another inspiring and helpful information Paul. Simple mindfulness can really have a huge impact as for me, I tried it and it really made a difference and you are right. More success!
Hi Paul,
I love this post. One of the most important books that has touched me is The Power of Now by Echkart Tolle. I think Mindfulness is being in the now. Mindfulness or consciousness definitely needs practice. I believe it’s very important that we pay attention to what we are thinking and doing at every moment.
Here’s a blog post presenting some compelling talks by the best life coaches and business coaches including Echkart Tolle, Deepak Chopra, and Brian Tracy. I think it might be relevant.
http://www.coachbasics.com/blog/7-compelling-talks-by-the-greatest-life-coaches/
Cheers,
Janus
Paul,
I discovered you on Perry Marshall’s Swiss Army Knife videos. Quite honestly, you were the best of a very good bunch.
It is very interesting what you said about mindfulness (mindlessness!). I have practiced meditation – Zen and others – since I was a teenager. My usual “thinking mode” is simple quietness, no thoughts at all. Just things going on around me, and I like quiet too. What it is not is mindlessness.
I have to admit to having been a little shocked at your blog. It is almost a mirror of my own, it tackles the sort of things that I look at myself. In fact I wrote this piece almost at the same time, November 2011 – about forgetting … http://gemmasmusings.punt.nl/#612931 it says practically the same thing as you do, but from a different perspective. Funny creatures, humans …
Paul,
I hate you. You have perfect hair and such wisdom. That is very intimidating to us “follicle challenged” people….Always a pleasure getting your tidbits of wisdom just please have your camera man cut off the top part of head next video shoot to avoid any unnecessary distractions unless of course that would jeopardize your super secret Paul Mitchell sponsorship JV profit acceleration deal.
ROTFFL
Hi Paul,
I love this topic, however I’m having trouble watvhign the video. I don’t know if it’s just me, but I can hear the intro music but it all goes quiet when you begin speaking.
Has anyone else had this problem?
cheers,
Darren.
Darren – not sure what the problem is, but I think it’s on your end. Thousands of people have been to the blog post today and no one else has mentioned it. Try another browser? ~pl
This is my second visit today Paul, after asking my self “what am I doing” and “how does this relate to what I’m doing” I think I wrote a better blog post. So a small step in the right direction.
Sean – keep it up – over time the results will be really interesting. -pl
(I meant, what does Paul “mean”, not man, in the above comment)
hmmm… where am I? what am I doing now? what’s its nature?
I’m sitting confused at my computer, now wondering “what AM I doing?” and “what does Paul man by “what’s the nature of it?”” …which also leads to why am I mindlessly going through email and clicking on links from Paul? Is this the best use of my time?
I wish the video had a couple examples, looks like I may have to get the book. Yuck, I’ll have to read. 😉
Hey Kelly — I’d say you’re on the right track. The question “Is this the best use of my time?” is a good one, and if you’ve followed along up till now, you’ll know I’m a big advocate of asking that. Right now, however, I’m suggesting you do something slightly different, which is to simply notice where you are, what you are doing and what is that like. In other words, become “present” to your moment. Don’t expect any “outcome” to this, Nothing will “happen” to you. Just get in to the habit of this and see what happens. ~pl
It’s a little hard for my “checklist” “want a result” “analytical mind” to wrap itself around that concept, but I think see what you are suggesting. pause… take a breath… just be present for a moment… I think I can do that.
Could be an interesting journey between mindlessness and mindfulness. Thanks for additional explaination.
Yeah, Kelly. I get it.
Here’s what I know – the “right-brain” stuff acts like a turbo-charger for all your analytical left-brain stuff.
PL
Hi Paul,
I participated on a seminar called “Zen for Leadership” some years ago. It took place in a abbey and those guys in there let us sit the whole day against a wall. Our “Task” was to get conscious – actually the way you described it in your video.
They say consciousness needs training. Otherwise you won’t be able to get “really” conscious in day-to-day situations.
What do you think?
Cheers
Manuel
Manuel, I think there’s a huge benefit to be gained simply by learning to “be here now,” and a powerful way to begin is to start noticing where and what and when that is in any given moment. ~pl
Read the book several years ago, now thinking I’ll go read it again. A way to paraphrase the idea for me is “Wherever you are, be there!”.
Joe, I’d say it’s always worth a re-read. ~pl
Hi Paul, You’ve touched on a very rich topic – mindfulness. How much better would all our lives would be if clarity of thought and awareness were at least as important as a good nights sleep? It’s been said “It’s all in your mind”, but isn’t it more accurate to say, it’s all in your state of mind? Either way, whatever happens, it all starts there.
I’m still learning to give my own mind the attention it deserves instead of the inattention it usually receives. Be well.
Thanks, Steve. I’m going to be posting more on this topic in the near future. Stay tuned.
Paul,
Almost two years ago, I did, what I call a “musical model” focusing on your multiplication concepts. Your readers may be interested in this little slideshow. I’d be interested in your thoughts. It only takes one minute, thirty-eight seconds to watch this three-slide presentation. http://slideboom.com/presentations/179946
An admirer of your work!
Wayne Kronz
Wayne – thanks for sharing. I’ve made the link live so people can click it. –pl