WHAT IS MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
Mindfulness is the short term for mindfulness meditation. Mindfulness meditation is an ancient practise that originated in the east but is now becoming recognised and more commonly practised in the west. Mindfulness can be described as a form of self awareness training. Mindfulness breathing consists of focusing your attention on your breath or the physical sensations of the body and becoming aware of what is happening moment to moment. Focusing on each in breath and out breath this way connects you to the present moment and allows you to observe your thoughts without judgement as they arise with in your mind.
As you practise Mindfulness you will notice you can observe thoughts rather than being pulled into them. You start to understand that thoughts and feelings are transient they come and go on there own accord. You start to realise that you are not your thoughts. This profound understanding gives you a new perspective on your thoughts and emotions and gives you an awareness that you have a choice whether to act upon your thoughts or feelings or not.
WHY SHOULD I PRACTISE MINDFULNESS
Our minds have a tendency to focus on things that are not always helpful to us. We often find our minds ruminating on the past or or worrying about a future event that might not even happen. When the mind is left to drift like this it can often lead to distressing anxious thoughts and feelings. When our mind is focusing on the past or future we are no longer in the moment we are in an unconscious or autopilot form of thinking. Mindfulness is a way of changing autopilot thinking. It is a practise which encourages us to attend to the present moment. The more we practise this the more we build a mental muscle that keeps our awareness in the moment. Practising Mindfulness allows us to respond rather than react. It allows the practitioner to have an empowered choice over their thoughts and emotions.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PRACTISING MINDFULNESS
In the last 20 years there has been a wide range of Medically verified research that proves mindfulness has many benefits. Research has shown that the regular practise of mindfulness can greatly improve a practitioners Physical, Mental and Emotional well-being. Some of these benefits are
– Reduction in stress and anxiety
– Reduction in feelings of depression
-Regulation of mood and emotions
-Improved awareness of the body leading to recognition and release of Physical pain -Improvements in confidence and self esteem
– Increased feelings of wellbeing and overall happiness
-Development of compassion for self and others
-Improved calmness and mental clarity
-Ability to quieten the chattering mind
-An increase in feelings of gratitude and appreciation
-Improved sleep
-Improved digestion
-Lower blood pressure
-Strengthening of the immune system
-Increased ability for lateral thinking and creative problem solving
-Greater awareness of self and of others
I am a qualified Mindfulness meditation teacher I have been practising Meditation for 10 years. If you are interested in learning Mindfulness I have an 8 week teaching program. Contact me for further information.
Ewen Mcculloch 