What exactly is Mindful Living?
A simple explanation is that mindful living means connecting to moments on every level to embrace living in a way that maximizes all that life can offer you. Staying mindful is a way of finding pleasure and fulfilment in everyday things and this can make a considerable contribution to your overall happiness. You’ll find no shortage of ways to embrace mindful living in Jamaica. Food, experiences, and activities abound with opportunities to embrace the practice of living mindfully.
Photo: Jamaica Inn
Natural Nutrition
Thanks to the island’s deep connection to nature, healthy dining experiences are easily accessible no matter what part of the country one visits. Most uniquely Jamaican is a Rastafarian ‘ital’ meal. Ital Living is designed to feed the vitality of your body with pure organic ingredients; there is no meat or salt, but it is more than simply veganism. It is also a spiritual approach to eating. For those looking for a more traditional plant-based restaurant experience, try Kamila’s Kitchen for organic and intentional dining. In Ocho Rios, Reggae Pot Restaurant on the main street is a local favourite, as is Miss T’s, known for serving up delicious versions of every staple of Jamaican cuisine.
In Ocho Rios, Stush in the Bush is a ‘bucket list’ vegan dining experience. What’s more, Chef Lisa Binns and her husband Christopher, bottle their amazing products so you can take some home with you.
Photo: Monkey Island Port Antonio
Mystic Movements
Deliberate practices, like yoga, or meditation can help you tune into your awareness. Although yoga isn’t a uniquely Jamaican experience, practising yoga in Jamaica certainly is. Retreats and classes are a constant here, as many Jamaicans have incorporated the practice into their daily lives. One-off retreats are always available, but there are other venues across the island that offer year-round invitations for you to join them for a day or longer. Go Natural in Port Antonio, is a true eco-tourism sanctuary where you spend your days napping in a hammock to the sound of the waves in between yoga classes, hikes, and delicious meals, including full vegan dishes, prepared from their locally sustained sources. On the other end of the island is Negril, which has been a slice of bohemian heaven since the 1970’s, attracting those seeking to chill out and explore their Zen. Jackie’s on The Reef hosts energy healing, meditation, yoga, and healthy food classes for those looking to analyse, detox and cleanse on a spiritual and cellular level.
Jamaica is filled with opportunities for unique experiences with locals who know their towns, their food, their communities, and how to connect to their island in dozens of different ways.