Mindful Consumption for a Holistic Lifestyle
In the realm of mindful living, each decision we make contributes to our overall well-being. Incorporating mindfulness into our consumption practices can significantly enrich our experiences. Ideally, our lives will be saturated with mindful living, whether we are eating, working, smoking, or even exercising. Below are some of the ways in which we can consume in a way that aligns with a holistic lifestyle.
1. Conscious Decisions
Mindfulness entails having awareness of our choices. Being mindful of the materials that you use to consume is crucial to a true mindful experience. The types of papers you roll with, the herbs you use to smoke, the filter tips with which you roll, and the people you smoke with all play a very important role in the overall experience.
To you, this may mean ensuring that your materials are eco-friendly, organically sourced, manufactured ethically, and/or are sold by an organization that you are happy with supporting.
2. Awareness of the Present Moment
As you inhale, savor each breath and focus on the physical sensations that you experience as you consume. What does the filter feel like against your lips? What tastes are you experiencing? What does the smoke look like as you inhale vs. when the herbs are burning on their own? Allow yourself to purely take in these sensations, all the while placing yourself right in that present moment.
3. Embracing Simplicity
One of the reasons that joints are my standard method of smoking is that they are simplistic. Mindfulness is often about simplicity. Surround yourself with an environment that is simple and provokes thoughts of curiosity, peace, joy, and love. If thoughts come about that are external to the present moment, allow them to come, to be, and let them go.
4. Expressing Gratitude
Gratitude is a high form of mindfulness that naturally instills a sense of love and joy in our lives. As you smoke, hold space for gratitude. Expressing gratitude for the cannabis plant and the benefits it brings cultivates a state of mindfulness. You may also expand your gratitude. This gratitude may be for the company you have (or the time you have to yourself), the environment you are in, or even for fire to be able to smoke in the first place.
5. Reflecting on Your Practice
Reflect on each of the previous mindfulness practices after you consume. This way, each opportunity we have to consume, we are improving our practice.
Concluding Thoughts
Incorporating mindfulness into your cannabis consumption can significantly contribute to a more insightful, positive experience. Mindfulness should be explored in all aspects of life, and smoking is no exception. Zentips are there to serve as a reminder to remain mindful while being able to better appreciate the present moment and surround yourself with a positive environment.
May your smoking be filled with purpose, conscious decisions, and a deepened connection to the present moment!
