Mindfulness Cues (Mindfulness Bells)
Mindfulness is the practice of being fully aware, engaged in the present moment. Our days can get so busy that it may sometimes seem like there’s no time to practice mindfulness, but as soon as we bring our full attention back to the sensations of our breathing, we’re being mindful. One conscious inhale and exhale is mindfulness. To help us connect to our breath, we can choose mindfulness cues, also known as mindfulness bells, to remind us to come out of our mind, feelings, and busyness, and redirect our attention to being present in the here and now.
We usually take a slow, calming breath as soon as we hear the cue. For example, if you sound your singing bowl, you would consciously inhale and exhale slowly and deeply as soon as you hear the tone. You can continue to breathe naturally as the tone continues, you do not have to wait for another tone for the next inhale. Just allow the first tone of the cue to inspire you to return your attention to the sensations and flow of mindful breathing, then extend that concentration forward. When we use the ringing of the phone as a mindfulness cue, we breathe mindfully, taking breaths that are a little slower and deeper than usual, for the duration the phone is ringing. We do not need to match our breathing perfectly to each ring.
We usually take a slow, calming breath as soon as we hear the cue. For example, if you sound your singing bowl, you would consciously inhale and exhale slowly and deeply as soon as you hear the tone. You can continue to breathe naturally as the tone continues, you do not have to wait for another tone for the next inhale. Just allow the first tone of the cue to inspire you to return your attention to the sensations and flow of mindful breathing, then extend that concentration forward. When we use the ringing of the phone as a mindfulness cue, we breathe mindfully, taking breaths that are a little slower and deeper than usual, for the duration the phone is ringing. We do not need to match our breathing perfectly to each ring.
Daily Mindfulness Reminders
We can use literally anything as a reminder for us to re-center. The ping of a notification, the passing of time on the clock, even the feeling of our physical body can be reminders of mindfulness, prompting us to return our full attention to the present moment. Ding! Just like the sound of the bell in meditation reminds us to return our attention to our breath, we can transform any interruption into an invitation to refocus and deepen our mindfulness.
 Singing Bowl
We can buy a singing bowl that produces a beautiful tone when we tap it. The beautiful vibrations of a singing bowl can clear the mind for meditation, calm difficult feelings, and give us a strong note to focus on as we consciously breathe in and out. |
 Mindfulness Apps
Many apps have digital singing bowl notifications that you can set for as often as you please. Your phone will vibrate or sound, reminding you to take a conscious breath amidst your busy day. Check out my favorite mindfulness apps and resources here! |
 Phone Notifications / Calls
Every time the phone rings, we can pause, inhale deeply, and center ourselves as we exhale before picking up the call. Same with our notification sounds. Instead of immediately responding to our notifications, breathe a few times, then check the message. |
 Stop Lights + Stop Signs
Instead of allowing stops or delays to cause us frustration, we can invite mindfulness into our driving by enjoying nice, deep breathing at every red light or stop sign. Be grateful for the opportunity to relax, enjoy a refreshing inhale + exhale, and focus on arriving safely at your destination. |
 Daily Activities (ex: eating, doing dishes, putting on shoes, etc)
Anything we do regularly can be a reminder to breathe mindfully. When we associate a certain activity with conscious breathing, we'll naturally reorient to the present moment, have a richer experience, minimize stress, and recharge our energy while doing what needs to be done in the day. |
When we inspire our practice with these reminders, our mental and emotional skills strengthen.
What’re some creative mindfulness bells you can use to stimulate your daily practice?
My phone ringing, doing the dishes, exercising, and playing with my pets are some of my favorite ways to unite with the present moment.
What’re some creative mindfulness bells you can use to stimulate your daily practice?
My phone ringing, doing the dishes, exercising, and playing with my pets are some of my favorite ways to unite with the present moment.