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Lots of people understand that mindfulness meditation can bring great benefits to your life. It can help you reduce stress, feel physically and mentally better and generally improve your wellbeing. So what’s the big hang-up?
Well, mindfulness requires a bit of perseverance to achieve. It’s not a philosophy that you can simply agree with and then feel better for doing so. It’s a state of mind, a way of being. It takes practice.
How to do it.
But the good news is, mindfulness meditation is really pretty easy. Find a quiet place to sit—cross-legged or kneeling on a cushion or in a chair with your feet on the floor. Good, upright posture is important to keep you alert. Pay attention to your breath going in and out. When your mind wanders, bring it back to your breath without judgment. Everybody’s mind wanders. Notice it, then return to focusing on your breath. It’s that simple.
When to do it.
Except if you do this once you will wonder what the fuss is about. It doesn’t do anything. You feel none of these great results. That’s because you need to repeat. Frequently and often, like every day. At first you start out for about five minutes a day, and as you get used to it, you expand to ten, then twenty minutes—however long you feel is right for you. Some people like to practice twice a day, in the morning and evening.
Why you do it.
Over time, mindfulness meditation clears your mind of clutter and calms you. Only when you are in a calm state of mind can you begin to access awareness of your true self. The difficult part is to suspend judgment and accept what you are feeling when you are feeling it—what is unfolding moment to moment within you.
If you are feeling anger, sadness, jealousy, fear or any number of difficult emotions, mindfulness will help you accept them, tame them, allow them to dissipate. If you are feeling happiness, love, joy or generosity, for example, mindfulness will help you foster those positive feelings and allow them to permeate within you.
In short, you will feel better. More at peace with yourself. And isn’t that worth giving mindfulness meditation a try?
Nancy Travers is an Orange County Counseling professional. If you need safe, effective counseling services, please get in touch. You can reach her here: https://nancyscounselingcorner.com/contact-us.
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