by It is encouraging to hear how you are applying mindfulness in your everyday lives. Yes, mindfulness is just one tool in your tool bag, and it may not be useful in every situation. However, the goal is to pay attention to what you are doing, what is going on around you, and how others are responding. The objective is to not run on “auto-pilot” and mindlessly go through the motions while doing tasks that you do most every day.
So, how do you know that mindfulness is the necessary tool in the moment? One clue would be if you are experiencing an intense emotion. Acknowledging the feeling and naming the feeling often quiets the intensity. Sometimes, from there, you can figure out where the feeling is coming from and maybe adapt your behavior. Another opportunity to practice mindfulness is if you feel overwhelmed or are avoiding a task. In this situation, staying focused on the current situation without wishing it were over or wishing that you were someplace else will help you get through the moment. You will avoid the interference of emotions such as longing and dread.
Keep experimenting and do your own research. There are many facets to mindfulness, and you might make a pertinent discovery.