Mindfulness Meditation Defined?
Why All This Buzz About Mindfulness?
In order to effectively practice mindfulness meditation, it's important that we understand its meaning and origin.
The University of California Center for Mindfulness defines mindfulness meditation as a quality form of meditation which human beings possess and is cultivated through paying attention that is based on purpose.
Since 1967, there have been over 1500 studies that have touched on mindfulness meditation.
One of the most recurring findings of those studies is that mindfulness meditation plays a major role in reducing or eliminating stress, depression, chronic pain, anxiety, emotional reactivity, and excessive thinking.
Origins of Meditation and Mindfulness
Mindfulness meditation may have its origin around 2500 years ago in vipassana. The term vipassana refers to a Buddhist tradition that means an insight into the nature of reality.
The tradition entailed the act of paying attention to both the outer and inner experiences with compassion, patience, and acceptance.
Is also puts an emphasis on the awareness of present events as well as remembering about being aware about something.
How to Practice Mindfulness Meditation
From both contemplative psychotherapy training and the Buddhist tradition, there are several ways through which you can practice mindfulness meditation.
First - a sitting position plays a critical role in relaxation. In addition to that, it alters the state of consciousness.
Second - skillful mindfulness meditation employs the use of breath in increasing awareness. This means capitalizing on the physical sensations that are brought about by breathing.
One of the things to keep in mind is that you should let your breath flow in a natural way, just as you would do in a breathing exercise.
Third - it is important that you learn how to pay attention. After all, the concept of mindfulness meditation thrives in your ability to establish and maintain sustained attention.
It's not uncommon to find someone failing to achieve the desired attention, for example, one can fall asleep.
In connection to this, if you fail to pay attention, start the process all over again and don't get tired over it.
Remember it takes time to internalize a habit.
Fourth - mindfulness meditation is not about stopping the process of thinking. In other words, the primary goal of this type of meditation is not to go blank.
On the contrary, making an attempt to get rid of your thought process isn't going to work and may not help you to move forward in meditation.
Lastly - don't rule out seeking the help of professionals in practicing mindfulness meditation. Such professionals will help in diagnosing any problems that you may have.
You can also seek the help of friends who have made tremendous steps in this.
The advanced use of technology is making information on meditation theory and practice much more accessible these days.
Conclusion
The mind can be easily distracted. It’s in this light that you should adopt mindfulness meditation in order to achieve optimal results.
It should be noted that individuals aren’t the only ones to benefit from meditation. The practice is becoming common in other settings such as prisons, company wellness programs, and hospitals.
Overall, mindfulness meditation involves practice, discipline, breath work, and relaxed focus on the present moment.
We hope you enjoyed this week's article.
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