“By developing a mindfulness practice, we can spend more time with our attention in the present moment,” says Dr. William R. Marchand, a psychiatrist, mindfulness teacher and author of Mindfulness for Bipolar Disorder. “Anything can be done mindfully -- from checking our e-mail to taking out the trash.”
To shift from mindlessness to mindfulness, it’s important to notice exactly what’s going on in the moment -- no matter what that is. Make it the center of focus. “In a state of mindfulness, we are focused on what’s going on right here -- right now,” Marchand says. “Notice when your mind is wandering and make an effort to shift focus back to the present moment. This is how we learn to be more mindful.”
So next time your mind wanders, shift focus back to the task at hand. Your concentration will thank you in the long run.