Too many of us live either in the past or the future. Be honest with yourself – are you one of these people? When we focus on what has already happened in the past, there is nothing we can do to change it. As a result, many people experience regret, sorrow or depression because they continue to live in the past. Others may live in the future. No one has ever discovered how to control events that are yet to take place, and therefore, may experience anxiety, worry and fear. The truth of the matter is, the only place where you and I can live, is in the “Now”. The now is right here, right now, in this very moment. Let’s explore how caregivers can live more in the now and leave the past and future where they belong.
Mindful Caring
It takes a lot of heart, soul and energy to be a caregiver. I personally believe there is no higher calling on this planet. To take from one’s self and give to another person is the ultimate gift. The very thing that makes caregivers strong is also their greatest weakness. Do you know what that thing is? Love. Care and love do not dwell in the past. Nor do they exist somewhere in the future. They both take place moment-by-moment.
(NOTE: Interested in learning more about Professional Development in health care? Checkout my Professional Development CEUs on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)
Being a mindful caregiver means you put the past away and do not focus on the future. Instead, you become more keenly aware of the present, on what is happening right here, right now. Caregiving takes place in the moment. A warm smile, an energetic greeting, or holding someone’s hand. Living in the now is very powerful because it helps us to actually control our emotions. Sadness is in the past and fear is in the future, but right now all we have is the moment. Living in the moment can rescue our anxiety and stress. It may help us remain positive and relinquish negative thoughts. Anger, resentment or depression may not find its way into the moment. So, you see, mindfulness is a powerful tool for caregivers, once you learn it and practice it.
Learning Mindfulness
Mindfulness is not a thing or a philosophy. It is simply a way of being. Mindfulness is the capacity to have moment-by-moment awareness, to be fully present, and to be vulnerable to the moment. You can teach yourself to become more mindful as a caregiver and in other areas of your life. I personally use it frequently and have practiced it for many years. I still teach people how to find their mindfulness and tap into it. The beautiful thing is that mindfulness is already in you. But, we live a fast-paced, on the go, schedule-driven life. So, many of us have simply put it on hold. It’s time to awaken your ability to live in the moment and be fully present with yourself and others around you, especially while providing care to others.
First and foremost, become aware of your surroundings and let the moment unfold naturally. What or who do you see? How do they look? What do you hear, smell, touch, or taste? Is it hot or cold? Stop and let your surroundings envelope you. This is what I mean by becoming vulnerable.
Next, focus only on what is happening right here, right now. Forget the past and ignore the future. The only thing that matters is you and others in the moment. There is nothing outside of this moment. Be here. The next step is to remain focused and control your attention to only the moment you are in. Are you happy in the moment or sad? It is ok to be either. The point is you are feeling the full presence of yourself and your surroundings within one single moment. Some moments will make you cry and some will make you laugh.
The very next thing to do is connect your mind and your body, bringing them both within synch. I’m sure you experience “going through the motions” when your mind is on something completely different, right? Not with mindfulness. Your body senses things around you and your mind perceives those very same things. It is very healthy to bring your mind and body together.
And last, develop a sense of acceptance of yourself, others and the environment. This is also being vulnerable. Accepting the moment is powerful, whether it is good or bad, happy or sad. “It is what it is” is an example of accepting yourself and others in the moment.
Last Thoughts on Mindfulness for Caregivers
I know this was a quick introduction to mindfulness and how caregivers can use it for their health and well-being. It is also very helpful for the ones you care for, because they can feel your presence and know if you are fully there or your mind is somewhere else. Try today to stop everything and just be within the moment, whether you are alone or with someone. How does it feel to not be in the past or future but right here and now? I hope it brings you peace.
(NOTE: Interested in learning more about Professional Development in health care? Checkout my Professional Development CEUs on CEU Academy and try a FREE CEU today!)