[grwebform url=”https://app.getresponse.com/view_webform_v2.js?u=wfNAY&webforms_id=57753701″ css=”on” center=”off” center_margin=”200″/]
Visit Our Etsy Store for Wellness Resources! https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/BeBestuWellnessDepot
Meditation Mindfulness has been practiced for a long time. It is widely assumed that it developed thousands of years ago in India (1), adopted from a set of academic methods in use at the time. Simply defined, it aimed to cultivate positive attitudes and behaviors by focusing on the present moment. We all know that meditation is supposed to calm the body, but what subtle differences are there specifically with meditation mindfulness?
When American university students began incorporating Buddhist meditation into their daily routines in the 1960s, the practice of mindfulness began to take off in the west. More research into the benefits of this type of mind training has been conducted in recent years by scientists.
The term ‘mindfulness’ usually (but not always) refers to a type of Buddhist meditation in which one concentrates on breathing and being fully aware of the present moment. This is a very simple description, and there are many different types of mindfulness training, some of which are more difficult than others.
A number of studies have shown that practicing meditation mindfulness can result in advantages such as reduced stress levels and improved mental focus (2). As a result, doctors and other healthcare experts throughout the world are beginning to see it as a crucial part of personal well-being regimens.
In addition to these mental benefits, there is evidence that regular mindfulness practice can also slow the decline in motor function caused by illnesses like Parkinson’s disease. It also aids those suffering from this incapacitating sickness in coping with the symptoms (3).
To begin with, mindfulness may be practiced anywhere, at any time, and it does not require any specific equipment or attire. For individuals who are hesitant to meditate, many people report feeling more rejuvenated and less agitated after mindfulness sessions, as well as having a stronger sense of clarity. This is because practicing mindfulness trains our thoughts to let go of things that upset us and to recognize the small things that help us relax.
What Exactly Is Mindfulness?
Closing your eyes can be beneficial since you are less distracted by what is going on around you. If you can’t get into a room with full silence, headphones or earplugs might help you avoid distractions.
Meditation Mindfulness can be observed in a number of ways. One of the most common techniques is to concentrate solely on your breathing. This entails taking regular, natural breaths. Do not attempt to breathe faster or deeper than usual.
Concentrate on feeling the air enter your body and the rise and fall of your chest. Breathing in via the nose and out through the mouth is a good idea. This type of breathing concentration is incredibly pleasant and tranquil. This is a compelling argument to breath mindfully on a daily basis.
Meditation Mindfulness and Body Parts Focus
Another type of mindfulness entails concentrating on specific bodily parts one at a time. This can include travelling from top to bottom or vice versa between different parts of the body. You can either physically clench, tense, or wriggle each area or group of muscles, then come to a complete halt and release. For example, clench your toes and then focus on how relaxed they feel when you stop. The calf muscle tightens as you move up your leg, and so on.
Alternatively, envision each body part being warmed by a golden light as you concentrate on it. A golden light is typically chosen because it is both warming and comforting. You can, however, adjust the color to fit your needs. Make it blue if blue works better for you! Because it’s simpler to visualize this light streaming in from above, the person conducting mindful thought should begin at the top of their body and work their way down to their toes.
When I’m agitated and can’t sleep because of the problems of the day racing through my mind, I employ this strategy. I’m usually fast asleep before I finish the process nine times out of ten. And anything that aids sleep is a good thing, right?
Meditation Mindfulness and Object Focus
Another type of meditation mindfulness involves focusing all of your attention on a nearby object. A good example is some flowers in a vase. Pay attention to the smallest details, such as the petals and veins in the leaves. Why not go for a walk outside instead? Be conscious of sounds such as birdsong, the sound of falling leaves, and the sound of gravel beneath your feet. Feel the breeze on your face and take note of the temperature. What do you detect? The aroma of freshly mown grass or flowers. You may also find a large tree and examine the bark, paying attention to how the leaves sway in the breeze. Give it a huge embrace, too.
It is a common misconception that being mindful requires chanting. Although counting in your brain is another technique of being mindful, it is not required. Everyone has heard of counting sheep to fall asleep. If done correctly, this mindfulness technique can actually assist you in falling asleep!
Eat Mindfully
You can also eat consciously, which is something that many people overlook. We know about weight loss and exercise, but eating mindfully? We’re all guilty of devouring our meals while watching television. This detracts from the pleasure of eating. Furthermore, eating deliberately slows down the digestion process. You taste the food, which allows your body to transmit signals to your brain indicating that you’re full. As a result, mindful eating encourages you to eat less and is an excellent approach to lose weight just by paying attention to your body.
You may incorporate mindfulness into all aspects of your life. Feel the water on your skin when you’re taking a shower. Be entirely present when you are working. Rather than moaning about how bored you are, focus on the task at hand. Try it. You could be pleasantly surprised.
To Sum Up
Many individuals who try meditation mindfulness report that it improves their life in ways they never imagined, and the greatest part is that once you understand how to do it, you can incorporate it whenever and wherever you want. The most important thing is to set aside some time each day for yourself and be mindful then. The advantages of mindfulness are numerous, and it can help you develop more self-awareness and acceptance of yourself. All of these factors contribute to a happy existence, which is something that everyone deserves.
Living mindfully and thoughtfully is a wonderful opportunity to treat yourself to some well-deserved “me time” and self-care. You will improve your well-being on many levels once you have mastered the skill of mindfulness through everyday practice. You only require a small amount of time.
Don’t Forget to Drop By Our Etsy Store for Wellness Resources! https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/BeBestuWellnessDepot
[grwebform url=”https://app.getresponse.com/view_webform_v2.js?u=wfNAY&webforms_id=57753701″ css=”on” center=”off” center_margin=”200″/]
References
- Meditation History https://www.news-medical.net/health/Meditation-History.aspx
- The Effect of Mindfulness-Based Therapy on Anxiety and Depression: A Meta-Analytic Review https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2848393/pdf/nihms-162932.pdf
- Mindfulness and Parkinsons https://www.parkinsons.org.uk/information-and-support/mindfulness-and-parkinsons