10-Minute Mindfulness Book Report

f one wants to make simple, yet meaningful changes to their daily routine, this book is an excellent read. It teaches you to live in the present moment with any task, regardless of size or importance, from washing dishes to meditative walking. As the name implies, 10-Minute

Mindfulness: 71 Simple Habits for Living in the Present Moment (herein referred to as 10-Minute

Mindfulness) suggests 71 different tools you can use to positively impact your daily life. Two topics of interest to be discussed are drinking morning water and taking a break from the television. Also, we will look at evidence from outside sources that corroborate the books contents, as well as discuss how the contents of 10-Minute Mindfulness impacted me and how it can be applied

S. J. Scott and Barrie Davenport designed this book to be a very easy, enjoyable read. It gives you step-by-step information on how to succeed with each mindfulness habit. Adults usually go about their daily lives in an unconscious or robotic mindset.

This book refers to children and how they are “thoroughly and completely engaged in the present moment, whether it’s good or bad” (Scott & Davenport, 2017, p. 8). Many adults are judgmental of negative experiences and are out of touch with reality. I am no exception. According to Scott and Davenport (2017), “Mindfulness means you become intentionally aware of the present moment while paying close attention to your feelings, thoughts, and sensations of the body” (p.

11). In my personal experience, I find that I have not been living in a mindful state. I get overwhelmed by the day’s demands, and cast aside my feelings and emotions to “get the job done”. I forget that each task is an opportunity for mindful improvement, no matter how small.

10-MINUTE MINDFULNESS REVIEW

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Two Topics of Interest

# 9. Drink Water

I struggle with this topic daily. For example, I go six to eight hours after

Corroboration

According to Rizer, Fagan, Kilmon and Rath (2016) and Scott and Davenport (2017), mindful meditation can reduce stress and improve overall health. Stress reduction has both physical and emotional benefits, such as lowering blood pressure, improving concentration, lowering one’s likelihood of a future disease or mental condition. These sources state that when one is fully aware of their thoughts and actions, they have a sense of control, which decreases emotional negativity and stress. Being fully aware also helps one develop better cope skills in a particular situation. Mindful meditation helps one let go of anxiety and worries, thus reducing stress and negativity in their lives (Rizer, et al., 2016) (Scott & Davenport, 2017).

Pannowitz (2015), and Scott and Davenport (2017), both agree that eating can be a mindful experience. Both sources indicate that when one is eating, they should take notice how the food looks and smells on their plate. Also, note your emotions when you are eating each mindful bite, paying attention to the food’s textures and when you begin to feel full. Giving thanks for the food is also mentioned in both sources. Mindful eating may help one to