If you can’t sleep, doing some breathing exercises may make a big difference. But before we get into those, let’s take a look at how breath and sleep are connected.
Continue readingThe connection between breath and sleep
Bring yourself back to the Now in 3 easy steps
If you’re reading this, it is safe to assume you’re open to leading a life where you are more present. But old habits can be hard to break and our current society is simply very demanding. Also, because mindfulness can be quite a subjective concept, you may find it hard to determine where to start. We’d like to gently lead you in the right direction. Below are 3 easy steps you can follow anytime and anywhere to bring yourself back to the Now.
Continue readingThis is how meditation can boost your creativity
Meditation offers many benefits, and the positive impact it has on creativity is one of them. In this article, I’ll explain how meditation can boost your creativity.
Continue readingMindfulness & writing with your non-dominant hand
There is a method that can help to increase your focus even more and write with more intention. Have you ever tried writing with your non-dominant hand?
Continue readingDealing with stress: introverts versus extroverts
One of my best friends is a Pisces, like me. Unsurprisingly, I recognize a lot of my own personality and characteristics in him, and vice versa. The one big difference between us is that while I am a massive introvert, he is the most extroverted person I know. This means we both have very different ways of dealing with stress.
Continue readingUsing mindfulness to manifest abundance
Using mindfulness to manifest abundance: change your perspective
If you’ve read our blogpost about what mindfulness does to your brain, you know that mindfulness can be a great tool to change your own perspective. This also applies to negative thoughts about your own finances. Practicing mindfulness means increasing your conscious awareness. No matter how deep your negative convictions about money lie, you can train your mind to stop thinking about money in a negative way, and start thinking about it in a positive way. As I mentioned before, your perceptions substantiate your reality. So once you start thinking about money in a positive way, you will start to see your life as a source of financial gain. And that results in manifesting abundance.
The law of attraction
Changing your negative mindset about money into a positive one is the first step. The second step is actually manifesting abundance. If you don’t really believe that using mindfulness to manifest abundance is possible, just take a look at everything that has been written about the law of attraction. This pseudoscience is based on the idea that humans, as well as their thoughts, are all made up of pure energy. While existing negative energy will attract more negative energy, existing positive energy will attract more positive energy – positive energy in the form of abundance, for example.
As the American writer, philosopher and business man Charles Haanel wrote in 1912:
“The law of attraction will certainly and unerringly bring to you the conditions, environment, and experiences in life, corresponding with your habitual, characteristic, predominant mental attitude.”
A common misconception surrounding the law of attraction is the idea that it would supposedly diminish the value of self-discipline, determination and hard work. Don’t be mistaken: you still need to be disciplined and determined, and yes, you most likely still need to work hard! If it would be as simple as thinking positive thoughts, there wouldn’t be so much poverty in the world. But when you combine your self-discipline, determination and hard work with mindfulness to manifest abundance, you may very well succeed.
The importance of clarity and precision
When you decide you want to use mindfulness to manifest abundance, there is one extremely crucial thing to keep in mind: the importance of clarity and precision. You’re basically going to ask the universe for what you want. But you need to be very, very clear about what EXACTLY it is that you want, why you want it, and why you deserve it. Crude example: “I want to be rich” is way too vague. A better way to formulate it would be something like: “I am good at what I do and I work very hard. I am thankful for what I already have and I allow myself to have more. When I have more, I have enough to not have to worry about my monthly expenses and I can invest more time to support those around me.” Of course, the way you formulate your ‘question to the universe’ is very personal and will be different for everyone. The important thing is to make sure you are clear and precise about what you want.
Final thoughts
Using mindfulness to manifest abundance means you first need to rewire your brain to change your negative thoughts about money into positive ones. Then, you need to direct your focus on actually attracting abundance. If you constantly focus on how little money you have, you will not generate more. But if you focus on receiving money, you can actually attract it.
Why you should try meditating with other people
Reasons to try meditating with other people
When you meditate alone, this usually creates feelings of increased awareness, deep relaxation, enhanced focus and peace of mind. Once you try meditating with other people, you will not only notice that all those effects intensify, but also that they expand to your surroundings. The benefits of meditating in group settings, are therefore individual as well as collective.
Meditating with other people will also enable you to take advantage of the raised vibrations of those around you. You basically get to ‘hold on’ to the vibes of the others and pull yourself towards the headspace where you want to be. This is especially beneficial for beginners as well as those who have a little more trouble to quiet their thoughts or get in the zone.
Like I mentioned before, meditating was always very personal and intimate to me – and I’m sure I am not the only one who feels that way. And this is exactly why you should try meditating with other people! During the pandemic, many of us realized the need for deep, meaningful connections. Whatever happens on a biological or chemical level when we’re meditating together, it results in an incredible interconnectedness. The experience can truly strengthen bonds. Even with people you only just met.
Final thoughts
All we are is energy. Meditating with other people will enhance that energy and help everyone involved to open themselves up, relax in each other’s company and experience interconnected feelings. You can do it with your best friend, sibling or partner or in a group setting. Either way, it is a great way to start a new practice or to help you find your way back to a regular practice.
3 reasons why EVERYONE should try meditating
Whenever I tell people that I meditate on a regular basis, I am often met with responses like “I don’t think that would be something for me,” “I wouldn’t be able to sit still,” or “I’m not into that woolly kind of stuff.” While there is definitely a shift in how open people are to the idea of meditation, there is also still a lot of scepticism surrounding it. But I think everyone should try meditating. Below, I’ve listed 3 reasons why.
Continue reading5 practical tips to get into flow state at work
When you’re in flow state, you experience a deep focus. It becomes easier to tap into your creativity and your productivity levels skyrocket. Accomplishing your task seems effortless. Needless to say, this would come in very handy at work. So why not give it a try? We’ve listed 5 practical tips to get into flow state at work. The more you practise getting into the zone, the more natural it becomes!
How to reach flow state at work
#1. Set clear goals
In order to achieve flow state, you need to have a very clear understanding of what it is that you want to accomplish. “Making the deadline for project X” is too abstract. Therefore, it’s best to separate your goals into smaller, well-defined objectives and simply pick one that you want to do at this time.
#2. Eliminate distractions
During flow state, it often seems like our brain automatically filters out any distractions. But in order for that to happen, you first need to create a mental clarity. That means removing as many distractions as possible. Turn off notifications, put on some noise cancelling headphones, and schedule a time block. It may also help to empty your bladder before you start; realizing that you need to use the restroom is also a distraction. Are you working from home? Read how to create a mindful home office.
#3. Don’t multitask
Many of us are conditioned to multitask in the workplace. But you need to understand that multitasking is a myth; you’re not really doing multiple things at the same time, you’re simply switching very rapidly between tasks. This increases the cognitive load on your brain, making it more difficult to reach flow state. So pick a single task and focus on that.
#4. Find a balance
If you have to do something super easy and boring, you’re not likely to reach flow state. Your mind and body need to be challenged to get into the zone. That said, if the task is too difficult it will only lead to you getting stressed and frustrated about it. So find a task that requires the right balance between challenge and skill.
#5. Don’t try to force it
The harder you try to control something, the harder it becomes to do so. This is known as the paradox of control. While you can certainly create the ideal circumstances for flow state, you can’t force it. If it doesn’t happen, don’t worry about it. Schedule another time block and try again later.
Final thoughts
Depending on your job and what you need to do, reaching flow state at work can be a challenge. Coincidentally, challenge is exactly what you need to actually get into the flow. But if you’re not feeling it today, that’s totally fine. You can still get shit done. Just keep trying to create the ideal circumstances. Just like training a muscle, it is possible to train getting into flow state. And once you get the hang of it, you may catch yourself actually looking forward to Mondays.
Have you ever experienced flow state?
Anyone dipping their toes in the waters of mindfulness and meditation has probably heard about the term ‘flow state’. But what is that, exactly? What happens when you get into a flow state? And how can you get there?
What is a flow state?
Flow state can be described as a sense of fluidity between mind and body. It is the feeling you get when, in optimal circumstances, you are deeply focused on what you are doing at that moment – to the point where you are completely absorbed by it. Your senses become heightened and you may lose your awareness of time. This hyper focus is often accompanied by a sense of euphoria. Any distractions (external ones, but also internal ones like stress, fatigue, hunger and aches) melt away. It is more than just being really focused; you could say it is an active meditation. Some describe this as being ‘in the zone’.
What do you feel during flow state?
While the experience may be different for everyone, flow state is generally recognized by the following:
- A deep focus. You’re able to fully concentrate on whatever it is that you’re doing, without getting distracted.
- A sense of clarity. Your mind and body seem to know exactly what they need to do.
- The elimination of obstacles. While being in the zone, any thoughts, feelings and sensations that would normally limit or distract you, seem to temporarily fade away.
- Euphoria. The hyper focus is accompanied by a temporary high and feelings of euphoria, contentment and happiness.
How do you get into a state of flow?
To get into a state of flow, you need to create the ideal conditions. It usually happens when you’re doing something that you’re really passionate about. Depending on your personality and your interests, this could be anything; working, writing, creating art, making music, dancing or exercising.
Also, this mental state is more common during engaging activities; your physical or mental abilities need to be challenged to a certain extent, resulting in a willing effort to accomplish something. At the same time, it shouldn’t be so difficult that you get frustrated because you can’t pull it off. It is more likely to occur when you’re single tasking, which makes sense because multitasking requires you to constantly shift your focus. Furthermore, your circumstances and surroundings need to enable you to focus on your task or activity.
Final thoughts
Anyone can achieve flow state, provided that you create the ideal circumstances. If you don’t know where to start, try these easy breathing techniques for beginners to practice focus. Chances are that once you have your focus, the rest will follow.