Mindfulness involves paying attention in the present moment, intentionally and without judgment. It is practiced through the observation and acceptance of your thoughts, emotions and sensations. Mindfulness practice—when you commit to making mindfulness a habit in your life–is about being willing to notice where your thoughts, emotions and sensations take you, and then bringing your attention back to the present. (In part from ptsd.va.gov)

Particularly over the past decade, mindfulness has worked its way into the world of mental health because of its benefits to cognition and mental well-being (therapistaid.com). Routine mindfulness activities can be useful for people who want to increase their self-awareness, compassion and satisfaction in their lives.

Related: See Why is Mindfulness Important?

Some Free Online Resources

Here are a handful of free online resources for prompts to raise your mindfulness and anchor yourself in the moment. They range from prompts for writing and journaling, art activities and movement. 

Writing

• Journaling for Mindfulness: 44 Prompts, Examples & Exercises (positivepsychology.com)
• Try This Guided Meditation as a Mindful Writing Prompt – Mindful
• How to Start a Grief Journal (choosingtherapy.com)
• 30 End of Year Journal Prompts for Self-Reflection – The Blissful Mind

Art

• Mindful Drawing: Activities that Embrace Experimentation (nga.gov)
• 100 Art Therapy Exercises – The Updated and Improved List – The Art of Emotional Healing by Shelley Klammer (expressiveartworkshops.com)
• How to look at art: 30 mindful questions to ask yourself — B.R. Howard Art Conservation and Restoration (brhoward.com)

Movement

• How to Benefit from Mindful Running & Mindful Exercise (positivepsychology.com)
• How to Meditate through Exercise – Mindful
• https://www.mindful.org/getting-started-with-mindful-movement/
• 12-Minute Moving Meditation With Journaling | Well+Good (wellandgood.com)

Writing by Hand

• Writing prompts — Mindful Art Blog | Mindfulness and Art Activities for Self-Care, Anxiety, and to Destress — MINDFUL CREATIVE MUSE | Mindful Art Activities and Online Classes
• 5 Minute Art Journaling Prompts | Mindful Art Studio

Also see our website’s related resources: Inspiration – Mindful Counseling Center LLC (mindful-counseling-center.com) 

Resources compiled by Kristin Littel