What mindfulness is
Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us.
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- Understand your pain. Mindfulness can help you reshape your relationship with mental and physical pain.
- Connect better. Mindfulness helps you give your full attention to people you interact with.
- Lower stress.
- Focus your mind. Meditation hones our innate ability to focus.
- Reduce brain chatter, that nattering, chattering voice in our head seems never to leave us alone.
- You don’t need special equipment, but you do need to set aside some time and space.
- Observe the present moment as it is.
- Let your judgments roll by.
- Return to observing the present moment as it is. Our minds often get carried away in thought.
- Be kind to your wandering mind. Don’t judge yourself for whatever thoughts crop up.
“Mindfulness is awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally. And then I sometimes add, in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.”
- Sit comfortably.
- Notice what your legs and arms are doing.
- Straighten your upper body—but don’t stiffen.
- Soften your gaze. Drop your chin a little and let your gaze fall gently downward. It’s not necessary to close your eyes.
- Feel your breath. Bring your attention to the physical sensation of breathing.
- Notice when your mind wanders from your breath.
- Be kind about your wandering mind. Practice observing them without reacting.
- When you’re ready, gently lift your gaze. Take a moment and notice any sounds in the environment.
Meditation is exploring. When we meditate we venture into the workings of our minds: sensations, emotions and thoughts.
Mindfulness meditation asks us to suspend judgment and unleash our natural curiosity about the workings of the mind, approaching our experience with warmth and kindness, to ourselves and others.
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Settle in
- Find a quiet space. Using a cushion or chair, sit up straight but not stiff; allow your head and shoulders to rest comfortably; place your hands on the tops of your legs with upper arms at your side.
Now breathe
- Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and relax. Feel the fall and rise of your chest and the expansion and contraction of your belly. With each breath notice the coolness as it enters and the warmth as it exits. Don't control the breath but follow its natural flow.
Stay focused
- Thoughts will try to pull your attention away from the breath. Notice them, but don't pass judgment. Gently return your focus to your breath. Some people count their breaths as a way to stay focused.
Take 10
- A daily practice will provide the most benefits. It can be 10 minutes per day, however, 20 minutes twice a day is often recommended for maximum benefit.
Mindfulness is the act of being aware of our present experience in real-time.
Normally people start processing inside their minds what they experience, creating perceptions. At its core, mindfulness puts our attention towards the present moment, with kindness, empathy and interest. This continuous act of being in the present moment with interest is called ‘simple knowing’.
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