Today I'd like to introduce you to a technique that can help you be more at peace and serene. It's called mindfulness.
Imagine it's an ordinary weekday afternoon and you're in rush hour traffic. People are driving in an all out frenzy to try to get home, or wherever they're going. Your day at work was hectic and stressful. You've been dealing with demanding and sometimes unreasonable customers. You're still playing the tapes over and over in your head when thoughts of all you have to do this evening enter your consciousness as well...kids soccer practice, shopping, dinner, maybe do some laundry....etc.
Is that an accurate picture of how our busy lives can be sometimes? We wonder why our life is so stressful and how come so many people are sick, depressed, and anxious? You've tried jogging, eating well, yoga...it helps a little, but not really enough. You go to church and it's good, yet, that doesn't always address your situation at hand and may not always help with the stress and chattering mind. You did try buying a meditation CD once, but your mind wandering was too much and you gave up. Does some of this (or all of this), sound familiar? All to often the demands of life can be crazy and overwhelming. However, there are things you can do that can help you have peace in the midst of the storm.
I'd like to introduce you to the practice of mindfulness and also explain a little bit, how this can be an amazingly helpful tool to assist with relaxing your body and mind. First, what is mindfulness? It's simply being in the present moment. Jon Kabat-Zinn, author and leading expert in mindfulness describes it as, "Paying attention, in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally." Essentially, it's a technique to help you be in the present moment and at the same time, releasing the need to judge everything.
Here's something you can try. Sit quietly and in a dignified position. Now watch your breath go in and out. Be with your breath and detach from all past events and thoughts about them and let go of future planning or anticipation. Just sit and breathe and be present in the moment. When thoughts arise - don't judge the thoughts, just come back to focusing on the breath....and breathe... It's a simple process right? Yes. It's not necessarily an easy one though.
Mindfulness is a practice. Notice the word practice. You probably won't be able to practice an hour of mindfulness meditation the first day. It takes practice. Perhaps you can set aside 20 minutes a day to start, and keep at it. Be gentle with yourself and don't beat yourself up if you struggle a little at times. That defeats the purpose, right? You may have a very easy meditation one day and struggle a little the next. However, if you're persistent, you'll get better at it and it will become easier.
The benefits of mindfulness can be profound. It can help reduce stress, anxiety and depression. All of these can affect your physical health as well. Some benefits can include reducing blood pressure, stronger immune system and more. Just think - being able to calm the worries, concerns and tapes you play over and over in your head.
You can take this practice to work, use it at home, while doing the dishes, driving, or wherever. It doesn't turn you into a zombie or anything like that either. It fits with your religion or no religion. It just helps you to be in the present moment more often. As you know, the present moment is all you have to work with. Being present is very powerful with your relationships; with customers, your family members, friends. How do you feel when you're with someone and you know you have their absolute undecided attention? Conversely, how do you feel when you don't?
I'm finishing preparation for a mindfulness workshop that I'll be starting to teach soon. In this workshop, I'll provide in-depth information about mindfulness, how to meditate, I'll lead the group thru a meditation, and provide the tools for you to do this one your own. I'm also starting a meditation group again, thru my holistic practice. It'll be a great place to continue practicing and for sharing your progress and stumbling (at times), in a safe and supportive place. It'll be a place to continue to grow and learn more as well.
If you have questions, let me know. If you're in the Phoenix area, come to my workshop. More to come soon. For info on workshops, and other services, check my website at:
www.HolisticTherapySolutions.weebly.com
I'll be scheduling the first workshop soon.
Take care everyone.
Peace and Love,
Tom
