Mindfulness Meditation: what is it and how can I benefit?
"paying attention, in a particular kind of way, on purpose and. non-judgementally" Jon Kabat-Zinn what is mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness meditation is about being fully aware of whatever is happening in the present moment, without filters or the lens of judgement.
It is about seeing the world with greater clarity so that you can take wiser and more considered action to change the things which need to be changed. It originally came from various religions (Buddhist, Taoist) however it is not in itself a religion, religious, or requiring religious belief. It is a method of mental training: to allow the mind to be more focused. It can be practised formally and informally. Formal practice means taking time out each day to intentionally sit, stand or lie down and focus on the breath, sensations, sounds, other senses or thoughts and emotions. Informal practice involves bringing mindful awareness to daily activities, such as eating, exercises or chores, wherever you are. You do not need to spend vast amounts of time meditating to find benefit. Even just 10 minutes a day can be beneficial. Also you don't need to make your mind go blank. That is not what mindfulness is about, it is about noticing that wandering mind, and then bringing it back to what you wanted to be focusing on. |
the benefits of mindfulness meditation
Research has proven that regular meditators are happier and more contented than average. This has huge medical significance, as positive emotions linked to a longer and healthier life.
Also, anxiety, depression and irritability all decrease; memory improves, reaction times become faster and mental and physical stamina increase. Regular meditators also enjoy better and more fulfilling relationships. Here are a list of some of the benefits: stress reduction clarity and focus greater resilience enhanced creativity improved relationships improved concentration rapport and communication improved health and well-being greater confidence and self-esteem reduced anxiety and depression improved work-life balance greater work satisfaction memory enhancement intuitive ability pain reduction happiness "the gift of learning to meditate is the greatest gift you can give yourself in this lifetime" - Sogyal Rinpoche |
