As we continue to live our lives in meaningful pursuits amidst this age of disruptions, I am reminded to share with you, my dear readers, the ways for us to be more relevant, more engaged, more productive and, more importantly, to live happier and fulfilled lives.

What is conscious mindfulness? For me, it is being aware of all our actions that impact our lives and those we interact with in our day-to-day life. We need to be conscious of how we affect others with our responses to stress, to questions, to activities, to social interactions and engagements — be it with family, community projects, business commitments and national issues.

Being mindful of the way we behave towards others says much of how we value ourselves and the impression we impart to others. As the saying goes — first impressions are important. It is therefore important for us to be always aware of how we dress, how we speak, how we address others and the content of our words. We need to remember that once spoken, we cannot retract what we have said. Even the intonation of our voice says much.

This conscious mindfulness is really good manners and right conduct. Many people value this aspect of life that they even enroll in personality and speech courses just to be sure that they speak right, dress appropriately for every occasion and exude that confidence knowing that you have mastered yourself.

Our success or failure in life hinges on the important factors of conscious mindfulness. It can make you a winner of good contracts or a loser. Much of our success goes with our positive mindset and the way we project ourselves to the public eye.

I would like to share with everyone some of the rules I follow to ensure that I always live a life of conscious mindfulness.

1. Listen with respect and complete attention.

2. Keep your word of honor. People will always hold you in high esteem when you do what you promise.

3. Apply the Golden Rule at all times — Do unto others what you want others to do unto you.

4. Your responses should always be well-thought of. Do not rush. Always reflect on your replies whether in text messages, emails or face-to-face interaction.

5. Apologize when you are wrong. Always seek forgiveness if you have hurt anyone. Take the humble road. It will always make you a better person.

6. Listen to feedback with an open mind. Apply how to improve on all matters whether business projects or personal pursuits.

7. Be authentic and real. People will know when you are faking it.

8. Always be prepared. Study the matter at hand. Ask questions if you don’t know the answers.

9. Be grateful and appreciative. Thank people with respect and an open heart. Write thank you letters.

10. Do not procrastinate. Always do things on time. You honor yourself by being punctual at all times.

11. There is no script or guideline on how to love or be kind. We should practice kindness and love towards everyone at every opportunity because every moment in our lives count. Loving others and being kind enrich our hearts and spirits and make us better and happier human beings. It also strengthens our immune system and makes us healthy.

Let us all be apostles of conscious mindfulness and live meaningful and happy lives.

The author is one of 100 Most Influential Global Filipinas for her books and advocacy work. She was recognized as one of The Outstanding Women in the Nation’s Service (TOWNS). As a social historian, she has written 45 coffee table books in the last 24 years found in select libraries around the world.