Be mindful: Wake your inner dreamer
Author wants to help you get centred by focusing on the moment instead of beating yourself up
It seems you can’t step into a bookstore or scroll through a podcast list without seeing or hearing about mindfulness.
The psychological process that brings your attention to what’s happening right now, in the present moment, is all the rage.
Speaker, life coach and author Keith Macpherson wants to help us get centred and settled and enjoy the benefits of mindfulness through his new book Making Sense of Mindfulness.
The Winnipeg author will be in Vancouver at Indigo Robson to talk about his straightforward guide to getting acquainted with the here and the now on Jan. 24 at 6 p.m., where you can learn more about his five-step mindfulness plan and ask any other questions you might have.
Speaking of questions, we recently asked Macpherson a few of our own.
Q
In the book, you say: “I have come to develop a new, personal practice and understanding of the work of mindfulness.” What is that?
A
Mindfulness has become such a buzz word in our culture. There are many interpretations on what this word actually means and how we can use it in our lives. I have come to find that the most accessible way to understand mindfulness is simply paying attention in the present moment to ourselves, others and the world around us with kindness.
It sounds basic on the surface, but the invitation to practise kindness (even to ourselves) is a constant practice. I have developed five key principles to assist us with this practice. Q Who benefits most from practising mindfulness?
A
We all benefit from this practice. The benefits of mindfulness are endless. When you are mindful, your food tastes better, your relationships improve, your self-esteem increases. When you are mindful, you don’t second-guess yourself. Q How do we get started?
A
A simple entryway to this practice is to begin noticing your thoughts and feelings on a consistent basis. In each moment your thoughts and feelings are either building you up or beating you up. Just notice. When you encounter thoughts or feelings that are stressful, anxious, and fearbased in nature, pause, take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to reset back into the present moment. There is no fear in the present moment. Q What can rookies to the practice expect?
A
At first you may find yourself doubting the power of simply noticing without judgment in the present moment. We are conditioned to keep our minds extremely busy and distracted. To consciously pay attention in the present moment requires practice. Know that over time, the more you come back to the present moment in your thoughts and feelings, the more you will feel a sense of deep peace and connection.
Q
What is the biggest thing you personally get out of the practice? A Space to reflect and stay connected to my intuition.
Q
How and when did you come to understand and embrace practising mindfulness?
A
I was on tour with my band, Keith and Renee during a difficult tour on the East Coast. I was contemplating leaving the band because it was getting more and more challenge going through the daily grind that comes with touring. The music industry was getting harder to survive in as an indie artist, because of the digitization of music. My mother had given me a set of audio CDs by Dr. Wayne Dyer. I began listening to his lectures on the tour and my entire world began to change. I realized later that I was actually practising the art of mindfulness.
Q
It’s funny just thinking you want to pursue mindfulness is tough due to the endless amounts of literature, podcasts, tweets, etc., out there. How did you wade through all the info?
A
We are saturated with information! I believe that using the principles of mindfulness can assist with wading through all the noise. It is definitely a practice of learning how to listen to our own intuition when we are making choices. Ask yourself, what makes my soul sing in this moment, and follow that!
Q
How did you decide on your plan of: 5 Principles to Integrate Mindfulness Practice into Your Daily Life?
A
I didn’t have much of a choice! I found myself journaling one morning during my regular morning meditation practice. The next thing I knew, my pen took over and I found myself channelling the words of this book. Five years later it came into full fruition.
Q
In the book you often refer to Hawaiian principles and traditions. Why that culture?
A
I have always had a deep appreciation for the aloha spirit. It has had a deep impact on my life. There is much wisdom to learn from the ancient Hawaiians and I was inspired to share what I have learned from them.
Q
What is the biggest mistake we make over and over again?
A
We are so hard on ourselves! Practise self-love and kindness towards yourself and trust your intuition.
Q:
You were a finalist on Canadian Idol way back when. What about today’s Keith do you wish you had when you went through that experience? A Deeper vulnerability and self acceptance.
Q
Has your music changed since you began you mindfulness practice?
A
Absolutely. I recently released my first solo album and it is a real departure from the world of “trying to get a hit song on the radio.” Mindfulness has opened me up to a deeper willingness to be vulnerable and true to myself and those around me. As a result, I feel that my music has deepened.
Q
What happens at your public appearances like the one you will be doing at Indigo in Vancouver?
A
I share songs, stories and mindfulness practices with the audience to assist them in understanding and applying the principles of mindfulness in their daily lives. Q What is the most common question you are asked? A Will you coach me?
Q
What separates your approach, your coaching from all the other mindfulness promoters and authors out there? A Courageous authenticity. Q Do you wake up every day happy and excited?
A
Absolutely not … and if I did, I would be lying. Life can be messy, life has ups and downs. I honour it all. It is through the practice of mindfulness that I continue to return back to inner peace when I have fallen out of balance.