When the word 'mindfulness' is mentioned to you, what images come to mind? Is it of an unattainable environment to the one you find yourself in today?

What's your reaction? Do you get the ick?

If you have this impression that it's only for those sitting in silence on the side of a mountain, then you're not alone, but you're absolutely and completely wrong.

Mindfulness is a practice that we all do already every day but we may not be aware of. When the balance is tipped into the awareness of how loud and frantic things are then we can feel there is no stillness, calmness, or peace in our lives. And that's when stress and anxiety can start to escalate.

There is a quote that I regularly use in my classes:

"Peace. It does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble or hard work. It means to be in the midst of these things and still be calm in your heart." Author Unknown.

When I work with people either on a one-to-one or in a group the first thing is to notice your surroundings. Perhaps you're sitting in a busy community centre, in a corporate workplace, or in a quiet room alone.

Irrespective the ability to practice mindfulness is accessible anywhere at any time. You don't even have to close your eyes.

Curious to learn more?

Then try this right now wherever you are, whatever you're doing.

1. Notice your body -- your seat in the chair, or feet on the ground, your posture, a gentle awareness of sensations in the body.
2. Notice the sounds around -- taking a step back from the sounds and just become aware of them all around you. What images come to mind from these sounds? Feelings, thoughts? *We're taking a step back from getting caught up in all the activity, and instead noticing our physical reactions to them with curiousity and interest.
3. If you feel tension, tightness, discomfort anywhere in the body, can you direct your breath to this area? Just to invite a little 'letting go' if possible to the reactions in the body.

Mindfulness isn't about rolling out a mat and chanting OM (although you're welcome to do that if you want!). But about pausing, reflecting, releasing, just as best as you can periodically throughout the day.

Consistency of practice is what makes the change in your body and mind over time. So practice a little and often.

Next time I'll talk about Mindfulness in what you're already doing, no matter what it is. Might be peeling potatoes, going for a run, or just talking to friends.

• Stay Present with what you're doing
• Notice how you're feeling (sensations and emotions)
• Responding to that information (change if needed, or recognition all is well, or perhaps breathing into areas or emotions of tension and discomfort)
• Gathering yourself to reground in your current surroundings
• Continue with your day