What is Mindfulness?

steve relax

What is Mindfulness?

Discovering Mindfulness: Being Present in a Hectic World

Mindfulness, a seemingly straightforward concept, holds profound significance in our fast-paced lives. It beckons us to be fully attentive to the present moment, to our actions, and to the spaces we inhabit. Unfortunately, we often find ourselves drifting away from the present, lost in ruminative thoughts about the past or anxieties about the future, leading to heightened stress and restlessness.

At its core, mindfulness is the inherent ability of every human being to embrace the present moment with awareness, so free from excessive reactivity or overwhelm caused by external circumstances.

But how can we access this innate quality? The answer lies in the cultivation of mindfulness through various proven techniques. These include seated, walking, standing, and moving meditations, as well as integrating mindfulness into everyday tasks through short pauses or merging it with other activities like yoga or sports.

The benefits of mindfulness practice extend far beyond mere stress reduction. It empowers us to enhance our performance, gain insight into our minds, and develop heightened empathy towards others. Embracing mindfulness allows us to suspend judgment, nurturing our curiosity and kindness both towards ourselves and those around us.

Let’s explore some key facts about mindfulness:

  1. Familiarity in Simplicity: Mindfulness isn’t an exotic concept. It takes different forms and goes by various names, but its essence is already a part of our daily lives.
  2. Unveiling the Innate Capacity: So Mindfulness is not an external add-on; it is a quality inherently present within us. It invites us to celebrate and cultivate our best human qualities.
  3. Embracing Authenticity: Now There’s no need to change who we are. Mindfulness acknowledges our uniqueness and encourages us to embrace our true selves.
  4. A Social Transformation: Mindfulness has the potential to transcend individual practice and become a force for positive change in society. It doesn’t require any specific belief system, making it accessible to all.
  5. Universal Accessibility: Mindfulness is inclusive; anyone can practice it. The ease of learning and its universal benefits make it available to people from all walks of life.
  6. A Way of Life: Mindfulness is not just a practice; it’s a way of living. By infusing awareness and compassion into all aspects of our lives, we reduce needless stress and cultivate greater well-being.
  7. Supported by Evidence: The benefits of mindfulness are not mere conjecture; scientific research confirms its positive impact on health, happiness, work, and relationships.
  8. Fostering Innovation: But in a world of increasing complexity and uncertainty, mindfulness can inspire innovative, resilient, and cost-effective solutions to seemingly insurmountable challenges.

Embodying Mindfulness: Rooted in the Present.

But When we hear the term mindfulness or meditation, we might be tempted to focus solely on our thoughts, neglecting the role of our physical bodies. But in reality, mindfulness is not just an abstract mental exercise; it begins and ends with our bodies.

Imagine meditation as a journey.

So Imagine meditation as a journey that starts with paying attention to our immediate surroundings and our body. By taking the time to be fully present in our physical form, we lay the foundation for a calming and soothing experience, tapping into the body’s internal rhythms that facilitate relaxation and peace.

How to Sit for Meditation Practice:

  1. Choose a Comfortable Seat: Find a quiet and peaceful spot to meditate. Sit on a chair, a meditation cushion, or a padded surface. Make sure you have a stable and solid seat, not leaning or slouching.
  2. Leg Position: But If using a cushion on the floor, cross your legs comfortably in front of you. If you prefer a chair, place your feet flat on the ground. Adjust your legs to a position where you feel both grounded and relaxed.
  3. Relaxed Upper Body: Straighten your upper body without becoming rigid. Allow the natural curvature of your spine to remain. Rest your head and shoulders comfortably over your vertebrae.
  4. Position Your Hands: So Place your upper arms parallel to your upper body, allowing your hands to rest gently on your legs. Your hands should naturally land at a comfortable distance from your torso, not too far forward or too far back.
  5. Gentle Gaze: So Lower your chin slightly and let your gaze fall softly downward. You may partially close your eyelids if it helps you feel more relaxed, but it’s not mandatory. Allow whatever appears before your eyes to be there without fixating on it.
  6. Relax and Be Present: Take a few moments to relax and settle into your posture. Now Pay attention to your breath or any sensations in your body.  Also allow yourself to be fully present in the moment.
  7. Follow the Breath: Begin focusing on your breath. Observe it as it goes out and as it comes in. Some practitioners find it helpful to emphasize the outbreath and let the inbreath naturally follow, while others prefer simply to notice the breath without changing anything.
  8. Set a Timer (optional): If you have a specific timeframe for meditation, you can set a timer to avoid clock-watching. This allows you to fully immerse yourself in the practice without worrying about the time.

pIctures and video by: Envato

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