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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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The Mindful Day summary
Laurie J. Cameron
Practical Ways to Find Focus, Calm, and Joy From Morning to Evening
22 mins
Brief summary
The Mindful Day by Laurie J. Cameron is a practical guide to integrating mindfulness into our daily lives. It offers helpful tools and exercises to reduce stress, improve focus, and cultivate mindful relationships.
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The Mindful Day
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Key idea 1 of 7
Practicing mindfulness helps you to stop dwelling on the past, or mentally racing ahead to the future.
We all know that physical exercise is good for our health, but the truth is that our minds can benefit from exercise, too. This is where mindfulness comes in. But before we hit the mind gym and start practicing, let’s clarify what we mean when we talk about mindfulness.
Mindfulness is the awareness we gain when we focus our attention on our inner sensations and emotions, or toward our immediate environment. But more than this, mindfulness is about changing our mindset. As we redirect our attention inward, we start noticing our negative habits, like making snap judgments, criticizing ourselves, or seeking to control everything. By giving us the gift of awareness, mindfulness helps us change these habits, and encourages us to be more open-minded, more accepting, and more receptive to change.
The key message in this blink is: Practicing mindfulness helps you to stop dwelling on the past, or mentally racing ahead to the future.
At its core, mindfulness is a powerful tool that can help you appreciate the present moment. And the truth is, we need it. Just consider a Harvard University study that found that the human mind focuses on the present moment only 53% of the time. That means you’re spending almost half your mental life being preoccupied with abstract thoughts – usually analyzing what’s already happened, or anticipating what might happen in the future.
The reason for this is rooted in our biology. Like the rest of your body, your mind is primarily designed for survival. Evolution has equipped you with a mental alarm system that’s always on the lookout for threats, constantly anticipating the worst-case scenario. For our early ancestors, it was safer to focus on the critical inner voice than hoping for the best in a potentially dangerous situation.
In the modern world, which is volatile, uncertain, and highly complex, our evolution works against us. Our mental alarm systems are constantly overwhelmed with information, distractions, and threats. This not only makes mindfulness a challenge – it also makes it essential for our well-being.
In the next blink, you’ll discover how you can start to reclaim your peace of mind by learning some basic mindfulness practices.
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What is The Mindful Day about?
The Mindful Day (2018) explores the benefits of mindfulness and explains how it can be integrated into your everyday routine. Drawing on ancient techniques and cutting-edge psychological research, these blinks reveal how simple mindfulness practices can give your well-being, and your relationships, a boost.
The Mindful Day Review
The Mindful Day (2018) by Laurie J. Cameron is a book that explores the power of mindfulness in our daily lives. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With its practical exercises and strategies, it offers readers a toolkit to cultivate mindfulness and find moments of calm amidst the chaos of modern life.
- The book combines scientific research, personal stories, and expert insights to provide a comprehensive understanding of mindfulness and its benefits.
- Through its accessible and relatable approach, it demystifies mindfulness, making it easy for readers to integrate into their busy schedules and experience its positive impact.
Best quote from The Mindful Day
Remember that presence is the ultimate loving gift you can give, and receive.
—Laurie J. Cameron
Who should read The Mindful Day?
- Anyone feeling stressed or overburdened
- Psychology buffs looking for fresh insights
- Mindfulness enthusiasts seeking a new angle
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The Mindful Day FAQs
What is the main message of The Mindful Day?
The main message of The Mindful Day is the importance of incorporating mindfulness practices into our daily lives.
How long does it take to read The Mindful Day?
The reading time for The Mindful Day varies, but it can be read in a few hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Mindful Day a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Mindful Day is a worthwhile read. It offers practical insights and strategies for living a more mindful and fulfilling life.
Who is the author of The Mindful Day?
The author of The Mindful Day is Laurie J. Cameron.
What to read after The Mindful Day?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Mindful Day, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Aware by Daniel J. Siegel
- Fully Present by Susan L. Smalley and Diana Winston
- Peak Mind by Amishi Jha
- The Things You Can See Only When You Slow Down by Haemin Sunim
- 18 Minutes by Peter Bregman
- The Desire Map by Danielle LaPorte
- The Miracle of Mindfulness by Thich Nhat Hanh
- The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey
- The Power of Unwavering Focus by Dandapani
- Hello Sleep by Jade Wu