When people think of mindfulness, they often think of still, quiet practices like meditation. While meditation is a great way to practice mindfulness, it’s not the only way to do so. You can practice mindfulness through activities and other tactile practices as long as you’re using them to reflect. Keep reading to learn about three mindfulness practices that will keep you and your hands occupied.
Stitch Meditation
For those who can sit still for meditation but need to keep their hands busy, there’s stitch meditation. Liz Kettle invented stitch meditation in 2014 as a form of tactile meditation that kept her mind focused and her hands busy during her reflections. She suggests starting stitch meditation by cutting out a square of fabric for backing, selecting more fabric or other additions, like paper, and spending around 30 minutes creating your piece. As you stitch, you’ll reflect on your day and practice grounding yourself.
Mindful Walks
If you want to move your whole body while you practice mindfulness, consider going on a walk. This isn’t your typical walk where you listen to music or make phone calls, though. For a mindful, meditative walk, eliminate as many distractions as possible, including your cell phone. Focus on the movement of your body and each individual step you take. Take deep, calming breaths as you do so, and take time to notice and reflect on your thoughts and environment.
Meditative Gardening
Another way you can involve your entire body in meditation and mindfulness is with gardening. Set out with a small goal in mind, such as repotting a specific plant or turning the soil in a certain garden plot. As you perform this task, pay attention to your body, your surroundings, and your thoughts. Focus on fully enjoying the gardening experience with all your senses. While the end goal is to finish your task, the journey toward the task’s competition is just as important.
Stitch meditation, mindful walks, and meditative gardening are three mindfulness practices that will keep you occupied. By combining movement with meditation and mindfulness, you’ll be able to focus better and may even have a finished product at the end that will help you continually reflect as you notice it throughout your day. Mindfulness is a great practice to get into, even if you just have a few minutes to spare.
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