31.1.2011 Mindfulness

Blog 31.1.2011 Mindfulness
Mindfulness is about being in the now, connecting with our inner self and appreciating every single second of life. Buddha was the one who started teaching mindfulness.
Mindfulness is not something you do necessarily but rather a way of being. Once you decide you want to try this practise just start by observing everything that you do in detail. For instance, when you brush your teeth be aware of your teeth and your mouth, how the brush feels, etc. Start paying attention to your thoughts. What are you thinking, is it about cleaning your teeth? How often do we go for a walk and notice nothing of what is around us. Our mind is so busy having a conversation with itself that we are not aware of our very selves.

The best way for you to start is to sit quietly and bring your attention to your breathing. We breathe automatically; therefore, we tend to ignore this vital function. Observe the in and the out breath. Try not to alter the rhythm, just have a ‘look’ at what is going on when you breathe. Now become aware of your thoughts. Look at them without judgment; they will probably be of little importance. Become aware of your emotions (different from your thoughts) and see that they are just waves of energy. Energy which is constantly fluctuating in intensity and changing, continue to observe them. When we observe our thoughts they tend not to worry us as much, it’s almost as if they don’t like being looked at and give up their intensity. Now consciously go back to observing your breath so that your attention, and so your thoughts, are fully taken up in the observing of yourself breathing.
As you become more aware of yourself you will be able to ‘tune in’ easier. You many notice the thought patterns of predictable behaviour in yourself. Your awareness expands and deepens and so too your ability to see and acknowledge the reality of each precious moment of life. You appreciate things more.
Mindfulness is a very relaxing, meditative experience. It can be done anywhere, because as the saying goes, wherever you go, there you are.
Blessings, Colette