Lesson 1: Be Present
Bachelor cast members don’t have their phones, social media, or many other normal distractions (aside from worrying about how their relationship with the lead compares with others, of course).
This allows them to be more present and mindful—not to mention, it helps contestants go with the flow. Going with the flow on the Bachelor is super important because they often don’t know what the next day will bring—will there be a two on one date? Will they be flying to another country? Will they be going home? Will they be engaged in a matter of weeks?
Seriously though, right now none of us know how long social distancing and quarantining will last, let alone when we will be able to go back to work or school and feel comfortable and safe.
It can seem natural to keep our minds in the future (or the past) rather than focusing on the only thing we actually have: the PRESENT. If we can practice the same mindfulness during the COVID-19 era that some of the cast members seem to master during filming, it will help us manage our anxiety.
Action Item
BONUS: Check out the guided meditations/mindfulness exercises below!
This allows them to be more present and mindful—not to mention, it helps contestants go with the flow. Going with the flow on the Bachelor is super important because they often don’t know what the next day will bring—will there be a two on one date? Will they be flying to another country? Will they be going home? Will they be engaged in a matter of weeks?
Seriously though, right now none of us know how long social distancing and quarantining will last, let alone when we will be able to go back to work or school and feel comfortable and safe.
It can seem natural to keep our minds in the future (or the past) rather than focusing on the only thing we actually have: the PRESENT. If we can practice the same mindfulness during the COVID-19 era that some of the cast members seem to master during filming, it will help us manage our anxiety.
Action Item
- Pick something that you do every day and turn it into a mindfulness practice. This can be something as simple as brushing your teeth, showering (if you are still doing this regularly!), or washing the dishes (or your hands—you’ll get plenty of practice!).
- Then, become extra mindful while doing that one thing (to the point where it might feel a little silly). Pay attention to all of your senses. To use the handwashing example: How does each finger feel while washing? What does that soap smell like? How does that skin look today? What sounds do you notice (water, soap)? Taste might be tough with the hand washing example but if you choose eating or brushing your teeth, it will be easy! Just notice, without judgment.
- Take some deep breaths. Be IN THE MOMENT.
- Throughout your day, reflect on this mindfulness moment: taking just a few minutes out of your day, each day, to do this can truly change the way you feel and your general reactivity to things!
BONUS: Check out the guided meditations/mindfulness exercises below!
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