Journey BEYOND Better!
Although mindfulness and meditation are separate practices, they also work in tandem. Together they become powerful healing tools.
Mindfulness is total awareness of the present moment. Complete attention to a single task, object, or feeling. Thoughts are allowed to flow through our awareness without gaining our attention or emotional reaction. Our attention equals energy. This 'feeds' any thought and creates an emotional attachment or judgement. Without our attention, they glide through our minds without sticking.
Meditation is a purposeful, scheduled period of quieting the usual madness of our minds. Taking a holiday from the endless chatter, swirling chaos, and urgency of endless 'to-dos.' This can be done by focusing on our breath, using a mantra, gazing at an object, or using guided journeys. Like mindfulness, meditation allows thoughts and feelings to flow through our awareness without being anchored by our reaction, emotion, or attachment.
Both mindfulness and meditation train us to control our own minds. Our normal state of mind is an vast ocean of chaotic thoughts of the past and the future.
Control your attention, and unwanted, unhelpful thoughts cannot take over. They enter our awareness and continue on their way without stopping for an extended visit. We are not 'not' thinking about them. Awareness without attention. Acknowledgement without emotion. Acceptance without resistance.
Many claim that these practices do not 'work' for them. "I just can't meditate! My mind is all over the place!" Exactly. That is the start of your practice - noticing that your mind IS all over the place. There are so many options available, plus any you discover on your own, at least one will 'work' for you. The most important thing is that you DO IT. Finding one you enjoy, even if it is different each time, is also key to a regular practice.
If you commit to a regular practice, even for minutes each day, you will get results. A feeling of being more at ease. A sense of peace and clarity. It starts small, but grows exponentially over time!
I used to find meditation and mindfulness practice 'boring.' After a few sessions, or even just one, I realized that it wasn't something I enjoyed. Hence, I neglected the practice. Discovering what works for YOU is paramount in my own practice, and an integral part of my practice WITH you!
KEY TAKEAWAYS:
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What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is full attention to the present moment.
Why does it work?
As we can only focus on one thing at a time, mindfulness takes your attention away from all other thoughts whirling through your mind at any given time.
How does this help me?
By interrupting your current thought processes, you completely remove your attention from all else like worry, anxiety, or stressful situations. A reprieve for your mind, and by extension, your body.
How is it different from meditation?
Meditation is taking a set time to focus on a guided visualization, mantra, or breath. Mindfulness is in-the-moment. Meditation is a set of moments dedicated to a specific focus. Same premise. Separate practice.
What if I cannot do either?
With proper guidance, everyone is able to practice mindfulness and do meditation. Using your own personal preferences, together we will discover what works for you!
