If you want to become more mindful as you get older, say goodbye to these 8 behaviors

As we age, it’s natural to crave a deeper sense of mindfulness. It’s about living in the present, focusing on the now, and truly soaking in each moment.

Yet some habits can stand in the way of achieving this state of zen. They can cloud our mental clarity and prevent us from truly being present.

But hey, I’m Lachlan Brown, founder of Hack Spirit and a mindfulness enthusiast. I’m here to tell you that it’s entirely possible to cultivate mindfulness at any age. You just have to let go of certain behaviors that are holding you back.

In the following article, I’ll be sharing 8 behaviors that you need to bid goodbye to if you want to live a more mindful life as you age.

Let’s get started. 

1) Mindless multitasking

As we get older, we often find ourselves juggling multiple tasks at once. It’s normal, but it’s also a mindfulness killer.

Multitasking can make us feel efficient, but it’s deceptive. It divides our attention and prevents us from fully engaging in any one task. This scattered focus takes us away from the present moment – the very essence of mindfulness.

Mindfulness is about truly being in the ‘here and now’, fully absorbed in what we’re doing. When you’re multitasking, you’re not fully present in any of your activities.

If you’re serious about embracing mindfulness as you age, take a step back from the juggling act. Start focusing on one task at a time. Give it all your attention.

Not only will you be more productive, but you’ll also feel more calm and centered. And that’s what mindfulness is all about.

2) Rushing through life

We’re all guilty of it. In our fast-paced world, we often find ourselves rushing through tasks, conversations, and even meals. I know I’ve been there.

But here’s the thing: rushing keeps us stuck in the future, always thinking about what’s next. It disconnects us from the present moment, which is where life really happens.

Thich Nhat Hanh, a renowned Buddhist monk and mindfulness expert, once said, “Life is available only in the present moment.” This quote has always resonated with me.

So if you want to be more mindful as you age, slow down. Savor your meals. Listen deeply in your conversations. Enjoy each task, rather than rushing to complete it.

Life isn’t a race. It’s a journey to be savored one moment at a time.

3) Clinging to the past and future

Buddhist wisdom tells us that suffering often stems from clinging to the past or worrying about the future. It’s a harsh truth, but it’s also liberating.

Many of us have a tendency to dwell on past regrets or mistakes. Similarly, we fret over future uncertainties. This keeps us from truly living in the present moment, which is the essence of mindfulness.

As you age, letting go of this attachment to the past and future becomes even more crucial. It’s about accepting that we can’t change what has happened, and we can’t control everything that will happen.

To cultivate mindfulness, we must learn to live in the ‘now’. This means being fully engaged in our current experiences, embracing each moment as it comes, without judgement or fear.

It’s not easy, but it’s worth it. Because real peace and happiness can only be found in the present moment.

4) Neglecting self-care

In our quest to meet the demands of life, self-care often takes a back seat. We push ourselves to the limit, neglecting our own needs in the process.

But here’s the raw truth: Neglecting self-care is a direct path away from mindfulness.

Mindfulness isn’t just about being present in each moment, it’s also about being in tune with our own needs. It’s about acknowledging our feelings, honoring our limits, and nurturing ourselves – physically, emotionally, and mentally.

As we age, self-care becomes even more vital. It’s not just about pampering ourselves; it’s about respecting our bodies and minds. It’s about taking time for rest, eating healthily, getting regular exercise, and making time for activities that nourish us.

If you’re aiming for a more mindful life, make self-care a priority. Remember, you can’t pour from an empty cup. Take care of yourself first and you’ll be better equipped to be truly present in each moment.

5) Living with a bloated ego

We all have an ego. It’s a part of being human. But if we’re not careful, our ego can start to dominate our lives.

An inflated ego keeps us stuck in our own perspective, blocking us from seeing the world as it truly is. It hampers our ability to connect with others and prevents us from living mindfully.

In my book, Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego, I delve into the importance of keeping our ego in check.

As we age, it becomes even more crucial to let go of ego-driven behaviors. It’s about learning to listen more than we speak, letting go of the need to always be right, and cultivating empathy towards others.

Mindfulness is about living in harmony with the world around us – and that starts with taming our own egos.

6) Ignoring the present moment

In the hustle and bustle of life, we often forget to stop and simply be in the present moment. We’re either stuck in the past, riddled with regrets, or we’re leaping into the future, filled with anxieties.

But here’s the raw truth: Ignoring the present moment is like turning your back on life itself.

In both Buddhist teachings and mindfulness practices, much emphasis is placed on living in the ‘here and now’. It’s about fully experiencing each moment as it unfolds, without judgment or preconceived notions.

As we get older, pausing to appreciate the present moment becomes even more important. It’s about taking in the simple joys, finding contentment in what is, and savoring the beauty of life as it happens.

If you’re seeking a more mindful way of living, make it a habit to consciously engage with your present moment. Remember, life is happening right here, right now.

7) Unchecked reactions

Life throws curveballs at us. It’s inevitable. But how we react to these situations can profoundly impact our mindfulness journey.

Often, we react impulsively, letting our emotions dictate our responses. This can lead to a tumultuous mind and a strained relationship with ourselves and others.

Here’s the raw truth: Unchecked reactions foster negativity and stress.

In the words of the famous Buddhist master, Dalai Lama, “Do not let the behavior of others destroy your inner peace.” This quote is a powerful reminder that we have control over our reactions.

As we age, learning to respond mindfully rather than react impulsively becomes even more vital. It’s about taking a pause, acknowledging our feelings, and choosing a response that aligns with our inner peace and wisdom.

A mindful response contributes to tranquility, understanding, and harmony within ourselves and with others.

8) Seeking constant happiness

This may seem counterintuitive, but hear me out. The pursuit of constant happiness can actually be a barrier to mindfulness.

In our quest for perpetual joy, we often resist uncomfortable emotions like sadness, fear, or anger. We try to push these feelings away or ignore them altogether.

But mindfulness is about embracing all experiences and emotions, not just the pleasant ones. It’s about acknowledging our feelings without judgment and allowing them to flow through us.

As we age, it’s crucial to understand that it’s okay not to be happy all the time. Life is a mix of different experiences and emotions, and they all deserve our attention and acceptance.

So remember, seeking constant happiness isn’t the path to mindfulness. Embracing every moment – the good, the bad, and the ugly – is what truly counts.

Conclusion

Mindfulness isn’t just about living in the present moment. It’s about embracing our experiences, acknowledging our emotions, and treating ourselves with kindness and respect. It’s about letting go of behaviors that hinder our journey to inner peace.

As we age, these lessons become even more crucial. Saying goodbye to these eight behaviors isn’t easy, but it’s an important step towards a more mindful life.

If you’re interested in diving deeper into this journey, I invite you to check out my book Hidden Secrets of Buddhism: How To Live With Maximum Impact and Minimum Ego. It’s a guide to understanding the principles of Buddhism and applying them to our everyday lives for a more mindful existence.

Remember, mindfulness is a journey, not a destination. And every step we take towards it, no matter how small, counts.