Meditation & Mindfulness
What is Meditation?
Practiced for over 5,000 years, meditation is a state of concentrated attention on a single object of thought or awareness. It usually involves turning the attention inward to a single point of reference, “trapping” the attention from distraction into mental constructs. Using the focus as an “anchor” brings the practitioner back to the present moment, avoiding cognitive thinking or fantasy regarding the contents of awareness. Like a muscle, “attention and focus” can be strengthened, so over time, the practitioner becomes stronger at holding his or her perception on the focal point and becomes less involved with arising thoughts. What happens because of this internal focus is quite mysterious. The many outward and physiological benefits are being documented,
“The gift of learning to meditate is the greatest gift you can give yourself in this life. For it is only through meditation that you can undertake the journey to discover your true nature, and so find the stability and confidence you will need to live, and die, well.”
–Sogyal Rinpoche
but why it works, why it does what it does, cannot be fully explained. We must not forget the origin of meditation as a way to realize Truth and Reality, a message delivered from many “Enlightened” ones from many traditions.
A meditation practice is the beginning of an amazing journey of self-discovery, allowing us to become the brightest, happiest, most powerful versions of our true selves. Meditation is one of the most important skills one can learn. In as little as 15 minutes of dedicated practice a day, you will find yourself becoming noticeably calmer, happier (not based on any external outcome), and more compassionate. Its practice cultivates one-pointed concentration that can be applied to any task, whether it be career, serving others, learning, sports or anything else. Practitioners feel a sense of well-being and get insights into the nature of reality. Think of it as a mini vacation from yourself, creating a mental rest, which ultimately, allows for clearer thinking later. That's a lot of return on such a small effort! But don't take my word for it - try it for yourself and experience this directly!
Benefits of meditation are:
- An effective tool for stress release
- Brings a feeling of balance and well being
- Improves concentration, clarity and focus
- Aides in feeling more relaxed even in times of pressure
- To find and experience happiness not based on external circumstances
Decision-making and career success:
- Meditation allows for the ability to step back and see decisions with more clarity and objectivity
- Provokes insights and a wider, more flexible attention span
- Aides in creative thinking
- Has been shown to enhance intuitive decision-making
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a powerful, magical, self-discovery practice in which a person becomes intentionally aware of his or her thoughts and actions in the present moment, non-judgmentally. Once we become aware of our thoughts and what we tell ourselves, then we have the choice whether to act on a thought, re-pattern it or to release it without action. This allows us to “choose” to be happier, more open and to live our lives from a higher “state-of-mind”, moment-to-moment. The essence of this practice is learning to live life from the present moment and imbuing each act and each moment with full, mindful attention. Gautama Buddha spoke the original mindfulness technique around 450 BCE in the Satipatthana Sutra (The Sanskrit word for rule or formula). It is and continues to be a “way” leading to most perfect Enlightenment.
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“Your worst enemy cannot harm you as much as your own unguarded thoughts.”
–The Buddha It has many beneficial effects in daily life, such as living life from the present moment, letting go of the past and being open to whatever arises. These powerful steps put one in control of one's mind states and reality and lead to a more enriched, free, peaceful and positive life. - Raises one's awareness enabling him or her to see his/her behavior, patterns and judgments. It is beneficial for defeating fears, attaining goals and combating negative states of mind.
- Mindfulness shows us how thinking has an effect on our every perception and ultimately gives us a clear picture of our own reality.
- For those interested in spiritual growth, this technique has its root in Buddhist teachings and the path to Enlightenment. But people of any faith can practice it!
- Helps us clear away clutter and find a deeper meaning to life.
- Lets us connect to the richness of the present moment and drop our emotional fears and negative emotions about the past and future.
- Through practice we learn to love, forgive and develop compassion for ourselves and others.
- Like meditation, mindfulness practice also helps us gain energy.
- Helps you live your life, not just “imagine” it! You'll find the richness and beauty in the present moment and discover the extraordinary in the ordinary.
- Helps you discover what it is “you really want” from life.
- Allows the opportunity for change and to become the brightest, most powerful version of your true self.
- Mindfulness is attracting increasing interest among western psychiatrists as a non-pharmacological means of dealing with anxiety and depressive mood states.