At the end of every working day, we look forward to our time to unwind. We would brew a cup of coffee or tea, pick up where we left off on our favourite book or tune in to a casual playlist as the night stretches on. In this state, our mind begins to unwind and then it begins to focus. All the noise crammed into our tiny headspace begins to dissolve as we intuitively listen to our breathing and consciously separate one distraction from another.
There is no doubt that our mind and body require rest and rejuvenation. Just as we exercise to condition our bodies, a healthy mind is nurtured by purposeful practice. If we take care of our minds, we experience a sense of peace and purpose, even when our lives hit bumps along the way.
The most fundamental step to developing a healthy mind is to first understand that physical, mental and spiritual health are deeply intertwined and have a profound effect on one another. In order to tie these three elements together and to ensure that our well-being is safeguarded, we need to cultivate what is known as mindfulness.
While there is plenty of guidance available on physical exercise, what exactly is mindfulness and how do we map out a routine to cultivate this habit?
How to cultivate mindfulness in your home
Mindfulness is a practice that begins at home. To be in a state of harmony within the layers of our being, we need to develop our intuition and awareness as much as we do our emotions to create a solid physical foundation.
While some people gain mindfulness by growing their personal relationships with others, some may find peace while being in tune with nature. Whatever one’s preference, mindfulness is a habit that allows us to find the inner calm and peace needed to get through whatever life brings.
Here are five simple steps to practice at home, on your journey of cultivating mindfulness:
- Set an intention when you wake up. Before you get out of bed, take a few deep breaths and take a minute to give thanks for the day. What do you want to accomplish today? What do you want to appreciate, acknowledge, and communicate? Make a to-do list to keep track of your progress and to ensure the you accomplish your tasks and the goals you have set for yourself.
- Connect with your senses. Your senses — touch, smell, taste, sound and sight — are your gateway into the present moment. Essentially, to connect with your senses means to observe and absorb. Pause to soak up the earthy aroma of your morning coffee, relish the beauty and diversity of the flowers in your neighbourhood, feast on the mouth-watering scent of wood-fired pizza wafting over from your local Italian restaurant and put love and attention into the simple tasks of your day. You will be amazed how much joy and peace these experiences can bring you.
- Slow down, literally. When we work at a frenetic pace, our minds begin to operate at the same speed. However, when you slow down your physical actions, even just the smallest bit, your shoulders will begin to relax and your jaw unclench. Your mind will begin to slow down and absorb the important details around you.
- Practice meditation daily. It does not have to take long. Setting aside 10 minutes a day to meditate can have a positive impact on your life. While there are many meditation techniques, the simplest way to begin is to be mindful of your breathing. Just by focusing on your breathing, you sharpen your mind so it is more aware of the present moment.
- Listen wholeheartedly. Most of us never truly listen to people when they are speaking to us, because we’re too busy planning what to say next, judging what they are saying, or getting lost in our daydreams. Thus, the next time you are in a conversation, make it your goal to fully listen to what the other person is saying to you, without getting lost in your thoughts. To cultivate this at home, turn off the television and gather your family members in the living room to spend good, quality time together. If a home is built for togetherness, it will cultivate togetherness.
The perfect home for mindfulness and inspiration
Inspired by the tranquil and harmonious facets of traditional kampung life, Denai Alam features a 4.8km denai — landscaped paths for pedestrians and non-motorised vehicles — that connects the entire neighbourhood.
The Denai Alam township is a sanctuary for wholesome respite, incorporating verdant greenery, sprawling lake parks and recreational areas, shaping the perfect environment for healthy well-being.
Developed by Sime Darby Property and awarded the 2003 Planning Innovation Award by the Malaysian Institute of Planners, the township is a microcosm of community and well-being, manifested through its overall landscaping and design philosophy.
For instance, open and public spaces are plenty, to encourage outdoor activities such as yoga and meditation. Walkways are safe and surrounded by nature’s beauty to inspire personal awareness and mindfulness as one takes a stroll around the neighbourhood.
Essentially, Denai Alam is a modern community that echoes the simple and serene life of the past, while remaining easily accessible to city folk — the township is located 10km north of Shah Alam city centre along the Guthrie Corridor Expressway, bordering mature developments such as Bukit Jelutong and Ara Damansara.
Within the Denai Alam township is Ferrea, one of the last phases of landed homes — an exclusive community of 2-storey link houses with pocket parks. Nestled in a low-density environment with two layout options — 22’ x 70’ and 22’ x 75’— these residences feature spacious open-plan living and are thoughtfully designed for comfort, privacy, safety and quality living.
The main feature of Ferrea is 4 acres of green spaces and a 1.5km dedicated jogging track exclusively for residents. Each home has an energy-efficient design that includes large windows for natural light and ventilation and stone wool insulation, which regulates the indoor temperature for added comfort. In addition, vent blocks and deep overhang features shade the house from the sun, thus keeping the house cool, breezy and open.
Imagine waking up to the smell of a freshly mowed lawn. Birds are chirping overhead and the neighbourhood is enclosed with a feeling of unfettered solitude. Take a walk in the nearby park while keeping your eyes and ears peeled for scurrying wildlife, or the sound of water streaming between rocks. In that moment, you would pause and truly connect with your senses.
In Ferrea, every detail is thoughtfully crafted to keep one’s mind at peace. It is a home that truly reflects the philosophy of mindfulness and, ultimately, a life well-lived.
Ferrea is now open for sale, from RM760,888 (not including the applicable Bumiputera discount). For more information, contact us at (03) 7831 2253 or visit www.simedarbyproperty.com/ferrea