Mindfulness as a Practice - Week #27 of The Awakening Journey
More than often we are unaware of the present moment. This means we are unconscious, stressed out, and we suffer. To make things worse, the stress and the unconsciousness make us seek the future, chasing the next thing because we think the future will solve our problems. As humans, it is in our nature to endlessly seek that ‘something’ that will make us feel better.
In this article, we will talk about how to stop looking forward to what will happen next and instead, turn around and face what is: our very breath and body right here, right now.
What is mindfulness?
Browse through any bookstore and you'll find dozens of books on mindfulness, meditation, and walking in the woods. Mindfulness is one of these buzz words, that is thrown around a lot lately. The truth is most people are not doing any of those practices. We're just too busy to take care of ourselves, much less take time to meditate, right?
Looking a little closer you will notice that the real reason people don't practice mindfulness is that they don't exactly know how…
Mindfulness is a pretty simple concept. It means paying attention on purpose with non-judgmental awareness. It is a practice of bringing your attention back to where it belongs in the present moment, over and over again.
Awareness and Attention are the two pillars of mindfulness. They are the foundation we use as a starting place to explore mindfulness as a practice.
What do I get from mindfulness?
As it relates to our awakening journey, mindfulness practice IS our journey. It is bringing awareness to whatever we are doing and this creates a deeper state of awakening of our leadership.
When you are mindful, we stop chasing the future from a place of anxiety and wanting. Instead, we settle in and let that future come to you. You feel an inherent inner knowing that life is inflow and the events of your life are exactly as they need to be. There is a feeling of fluidity. It feels like being on a boat and knowing that while there may be some rocking, you are enjoying the sensation and all that comes from it.
How do I get mindful?
Mindfulness is a way of being in the world. It’s a way of doing things. It’s pointing your attention to what is right in front of you.
If you are just starting out, it can be helpful to think of mindfulness as training your attention muscle. Just like physical exercise strengthens your body, mindfulness strengthens your attention muscle, which can help you focus better, become more productive, and feel less stressed and more fulfilled.
You can be mindful when doing the dishes or disciplining your child. You can be mindful (present, aware, awake) as you are working on a project for work.
There are many different mindfulness practices, but some of the most popular ones include:
1. Breathing exercises: Taking deep, slow breaths can help to center yourself and focus on the present moment.
2. Body scanning: This involves focusing your attention on each part of your body, from your toes to your head. As you scan your body, pay attention to any sensations you feel, such as tension or relaxation.
3. Guided imagery: This is a form of mindfulness that involves picturing a peaceful place in your mind. As you focus on the image, you may find that your stress levels start to decrease.
4. Mindful walking: This involves paying attention to your surroundings as you walk, focusing on the sensations of your feet hitting the ground and the sights and sounds around you.
5. Loving-kindness meditation: This is a type of mindfulness meditation that involves sending thoughts of kindness and compassion to yourself and others.
6. Gratitude: Gratitude means being thankful for the good things in your life. Practicing gratitude can help you focus on the positive and make you feel happier.
Mindfulness can be practiced for just a few minutes at a time, or for longer periods if you wish. The important thing is to be patient and consistent with your practice and to find a method that works for you.
Your practice for this week
Notice what is unfolding in the present moment without judgment.
Next, we will talk about Practicing Gratitude, in the meanwhile remember the present moment is where your best life happens.
With love, presence and gratitude,
Darla