There is no doubt that when we pause and practice mindfulness at regular intervals during our busy days we can connect with our inner self and add meaningful moments to our days. We start to experience our mind and ourselves differently. We get to enjoy feelings of peace, gratitude, relaxation, appreciation, bliss, wisdom, and oneness.
The biggest challenge is that we need to find ways to practice mindfulness. But how can we remember to remember to pause?
What is needed are little reminders at frequent intervals. Each time we reconnect with our inner self, we are strengthening the ability to be still, thus making it easier for us to refocus and regroup.
What is needed is a device or app that reminds us to get back to the practice, via a notification, vibration, or sound. So, I started to search what other devices are out there in addition to our meaning to pause® bracelet, and here is what I found:
Wearable Devices
Fitbit
There are several wrist wearable devices out there, such as Spire, WellBe and Being which measure heart rate, stress levels, sleep and blood pressure. The best option I found is the Fitbit.
Pros:
- Does the work of reminding you to pause without any other distraction.
- Is water resistant
- Also has fitness and other health functionalities
- Works as a watch as well (for the Fitbit ChargeHR)
- Looks sleek
Cons:
- Only 8 alarm settings
- Needs to be recharged every 4 or 5 days
- The trigger is also at fixed times (this may be an advantage for some people)
- Once the alarm vibrates, you need to tap the device, otherwise, it will keep vibrating.
- These devices can cost you anywhere from $90 to $150
Bottom line:
Because it has only 8 alarms, you can basically get one reminder every two waking hours.
Iphone/Ipad Apps
Mindfulness Reminders app, by H2indie. Available at the iOS app store for $2.99.
Pros:
- number of times per day you want to be reminded (up to 18) at random intervals
- message that will show up
- beginning and end time of the day
- sound to play
- They also have an Apple Watch app.
Cons:
- The reminders come in the phone’s notification center together will all the other distractions, such as push notifications, which really prevents us from taking moments of mindfulness. Not ideal.
- If you tend to keep your phone on silent mode a lot, you could easily miss your pause notifications.
- At time of research, no similar app found for Android devices for mindfulness reminders.
Bottom line: It’s a good app, but not the ideal solution. Perhaps having it on an Apple Watch could be more promising.
Computer App
For Mac lovers tied to their computer all day there is the Mindfulness Mynah, available for $1.99
Cons:
- Unless you keep your computers sound on, you will not hear the notification sounds.
- There is no pop-up window that would alert you otherwise.
- The “open reminders app” checkbox does not work
- At time of research, no similar app found for Android devices.
Bottom line: Not a perfect solution either.
All of these would help but if you are looking for a simple mindfulness/pause reminder tool to help you remind to pause at regular intervals, consider
meaning to pause®
A simple, yet stylish bracelet that comes in different sizes, styles and colors. All it does is vibrate every 60 or 90 minutes! In fact you can create your own.
There is only one button, which is used to turn the device on or off, and to select the time of the reminders. The capsule is to be worn on the inside of the wrist, so at most times it’s not noticeable.
Pros:
- Tailor-made specifically for this purpose
- Alarm every 60 or 90 minutes
- Battery lasts 6 months
- Very affordable (25~60 USD)
- Custom design for the beads, size, color, and written message
Cons:
- It’s not water resistant
- The capsule could be a bit smaller.
Bottom line:
The meaning to pause® bracelet can be worn as a bracelet, a necklace, or simply kept in your pocket to:
- Remind you to get back to the mindfulness practice, via vibration.
- Bring your mind back to the present moment, by paying attention to your body and breath.
- Observe the contents of our thoughts, and feelings at this moment.
- Breaking free for a moment to refocus and regroup.
While pausing, some people find that connecting a specific word or sentence to the trigger can be helpful. The message is up to you. It will depend on what type of meditation you practice, what you want to focus on and develop (or let go). Here are some ideas:
- Breathe deeply
- Be grateful
- How is my mind now?
- What is my practice now?
- What story am I telling myself now?
- Bring in compassion and loving-kindness
- Accept and flow in the present moment
- Let go of attachment
- Relax and smile
- Bring your attention back to your body
- Connect to the source
- Dive into the heart
- Sit with God
- Fall back into awareness, and more
This same principle, of continuous remembrance, can be used to build any habit (like drinking water, for example), or to let go of any habit (like emotional eating, biting one’s nails, etc). That is why organizations like Weight Watchers, Alcoholic Anonymous, family support groups, and prayer groups are recommending this to their members.
In Closing,
Today, we lead such busy lives, it is often hard to stick to an intention or a new “program”. We soon forget. That is why the practice of pausing to “reset” is so beneficial to your overall well-being.
Please share this post for those who may benefit!