This month I have committed to participate in the Mindful in May project by Dr. Elise Bialylew. This is a program that involves a month long challenge to participate in a variety of meditations guided by amazing people from around the world! She combines this with Charity: Water raising money for sustainable clean water for people in need.
Clear mind ~ Clean water
The interviews include a variety of researchers, guru’s and professionals that practice, teach and study in the area of mindfulness. Over the next few months I will be sharing some of the hi-lights, take home points and inspirational summer reads (or cozy winter if you are on the other side of the world:) I will be adding some of the titles to the library and coming soon book reviews.
Today lets look at the word mindfulness… There has been an expanded use of this term in the recent years and it has been interesting to listen in on a variety of perspectives during this program. The general message guides us to awareness, presence and ability to analyze this with open curiosity and kindness to oneself and others. It includes the practice of training your mind to be here in the now.
5 tips on exploring a mindfulness practice…
1. Meaning– find what is meaningful for you, start with something that you enjoy- mindful running- playing music- something where you can find your flow~ that moment of complete presence and timelessness. When exploring seated meditation, start at 5 minutes, the goal is to sit for the time you committed = success. Now meet what happens in-between with loving kindness and compassion… We are working towards more efficiently training the mind to be present and engage with life.
2. Grace– reduce that inner critique and drop your expectation of what meditation should look and feel like… Our mind was created to think and have thoughts so acknowledge them then let them go.
3. Practice– this is a journey, like any health care habit it takes time. Do a little bit each day whether it is taking a few breaths before getting out of bed in the morning or finding your comfortable seated position. If a day, week or month goes by where you miss, with grace, compassion and loving kindness come back to your path.
4. Community– find your support. Use an app with a guided meditation, seek and surround yourself with people that practice, find a mentor, a training, a support group wether it is in person or virtual, share with your partner or family members. Develop a tribe of like-minded people that support and share your desire to clear the mind to develop a respond vs. react mindset.
5. Path– mindfulness is a journey and we may take detours, explore a variety of terrains, bumps and obstacles. Stick with it, continue to move forward, maintain self compassion and loving kindness…
You got this…
Coming next the Science of Mindfulness. What happens at a neurological level…
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