MINDFULNESS WEEK 1:
Today, we start by taking a look at what Mindfulness Meditation actually is, and explore how mindfulness and meditation are two different, yet related, practices. We’ll also reflect on how often we feel the urge to fix or control outcomes in our lives.
It’s quite useful to know that Mindfulness and meditation are two different things.
Mindfulness is a particular way of paying attention - with openness, curiosity, patience and non-judgment - in our everyday experiences. While meditation serves as a tool to train our minds in this kind of attention. This week, the focus is on the breath during our meditation because breath is always with us and provides a simple anchor for our awareness.
Meditation is different from mindfulness in that it is a focussed sitting practice which helps us cultivate an aspect of mindfulness.
In mindfulness sitting practice (meditation) we learn to accept and sit with reality as it is, rather than rushing to change or fix it. This acceptance creates a pause, allowing us to observe our thoughts and emotions without reacting immediately and impulsively.
In mindfulness, acceptance is about fostering awareness and patience; it doesn’t mean we’re inactive. Instead, it empowers us to choose how and when to respond, rather than feeling compelled to fix or control everything right away.
This is a crucial point.
Acceptance is not about being a doormat. It’s more about taking a moment to really observe and understand what’s going on before we jump in. We want to create space to feel and understand a situation, avoiding the influence of our natural biases or judgments that can lead to reactive responses.
By accepting the present moment without judgment, we develop clarity and inner peace, which enables us to respond more thoughtfully and effectively over time.
If you’re practicing sitting meditation this week, or before we meet again, I invite you to follow these simple tips:
Start by finding a comfortable sitting position. You can sit on a chair or on the floor, or on a meditation mat or cushion or bench. If you are sitting on a chair, your back should not touch the back of the chair. You sit in a straight, open but comfortable posture. Try to sit shoulders over hips, chin parallel to the ground. Eyes softly closed or unfocussed. Then begin directing your attention to the breath.
Simply notice how the body is breathing without trying to control it; fix it or change it in any way. Just allow it to flow naturally. This awareness grounds us in the present moment. When thoughts arise, or feelings, we can acknowledge them gently and bring our focus back to our breath. This is a kind way to train our minds, fostering patience and understanding.
We can also apply these principles in our daily lives. For instance, when we find ourselves stuck in traffic or waiting in line somewhere, instead of feeling frustrated, we can take a moment to notice our breath and accept the situation as it it, before immediately reacting and wanting to fix or change it.
During everyday tasks like washing dishes or cooking, we can be mindful by keeping the focus on the sensations around us—the warmth of the water or the aroma of the food.
When distractions occur, like outside noises or discomfort, we learn to notice them without the urge to fix anything immediately. This practice helps us remain present with whatever feelings or sensations arise, good or bad. We learn to sit with things as they are, noticing, creating a pause, and we sit in this pause before reacting. Ultimately this is what fosters a sense of peace.
Remember, the goal of meditation or mindfulness isn’t to force calmness or peace; it’s simply to be aware of what’s happening without the need to change anything.
This mindful acceptance leads to greater clarity and more thoughtful responses to life’s challenges.
As you continue your day, I invite you to practice coming back to your breath whenever you need an anchor. You don’t have to create a formal sitting practice. Maybe start by noticing your breath a few times throughout the day. Notice how you feel in your body. Your posture, your mental attitude. And take a pause. Each moment we pause to notice, we strengthen our awareness and this helps build a more balanced and intentional way of being.
Have a wonderful week!
Namaste
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