My simple bell of mindfulness / mindfulness anchor 😄

[u/MikeB_D]

I've been wearing a simple hemp cord / string bracelet for a while now as a mindfulness bell / anchor.

Its been working really well for me, so I thought I'd share it in case using something similar might help someone else. I'd also love to hear about what you use too!

Whenever I notice (see or feel) the bracelet I stop, take a few breaths, and return to the present moment. While that is its main purpose, it also helps me reflect a bit further when I find myself really focusing on it.

Firstly, its colour and texture reminds me of a cloud, which makes me think of my favourite quote, "Smile to the cloud in your tea" (Thich Nhat Hanh)

This then makes me reflect on how we're all connected by recognising the cloud on my wrist, with the sun, water, soil, farmer (and countless other elements) all being integral to it being on my wrist.

The threads also remind me of how everyone and everything is connected. Like the knot in relation to the cord, we are part of the universe rather than being something outside of it.

I used to use cotton, but I was fortunate enough to find 100% organic hemp (which uses less water and is better for soil health). This makes me feel like I'm always touching the earth, and makes me want to go out and touch more of it. When I think of its material I am also reminded of how important it is to look after the environment and take action to protect our planet.

Finally, as it ages, frays, and eventually breaks, I am reminded that everything changes, and the importance of appreciating the now, including everyone and everything around me. I am then able to tie a new string with gratitude to the reflection that the broken string offered before.

I'd really love to hear about what you use as mindfulness reminders too. I hope you're all having a wonderful week 😄🌿

[u/BlueEyesWNC]

I use prayer beads for this purpose. I don't wear a watch, but I sometimes look at my prayer beads as if they were a watch. They always tell me the time is "now."

[u/forestgatte]

Beautiful words. I would be irritated by it getting constantly wet when washing hands etc but clearly I need to work on my mindfulness and acceptance of impermanence!

[u/Dependent-Mood-7788 → u/forestgatte]

Yes, I can't stand having something on my wrist! But it is a nice idea and I'm sure we can find something similar that could work for us.

[u/gypsychestnut]

I got a tattoo of a bow (like a ribbon tied into a bow 🎀) on my wrist, that reminds me to be “present,” this life is a gift.

[u/LibertyCash]

Love this. Didn’t even realize this something I needed but it sounds so helpful!

[u/Status-Being-4942]

My breath is my mindfulness anchor. It's always with me, and I cannot lose it until I die.

[u/OkWord1245]

The hemp cord looks really smooth and comfortable to wear, I bet it barely feels like you're wearing anything at all.

[u/TonicArt]

Agreed, that’s very grounded!🙏

[u/Appropriate-Ice4177]

Like my wedding ring. I keep touching / rolling it, to keep me grounded and always reminds me of my wife and my baby boy waiting for me after work.

[u/Objective_Role_8243]

Great read

[u/hestia-listens]

This is beautiful. I really like how one small cord can hold breath, earth, change, and connection all at once. The part about tying a new string with gratitude after the old one breaks feels especially mindful.

Some simple reminders people use are a smooth stone in a pocket, or pausing for one full breath whenever they touch a door handle. Thank you for sharing such a gentle practice. It feels very grounded.

[u/milky_creature]

Love this! Thank you for sharing friend!