Mindfulness is a natural quality that we all have. It’s available to us in every moment if we take the time to appreciate it. When we practice mindfulness, we’re practicing the art of creating space for ourselves-space to think, space to breathe, space between ourselves and our reactions.
What You Need to Know Before Practicing Mindfulness
You don’t need to buy anything
- All you need is to devote a little time and space to accessing your mindfulness skills every day
- There’s no bliss state or otherworldly communion, just pay attention to the present moment without judgment
- Your mind will wander, but recognize when it has wandered and consciously bring it back to where you are
- The more you do this, the more likely you are to be able to do it again and again
- Try not to judge yourself for whatever thoughts pop up
How to Practice Mindfulness
Take a seat: find a place to sit that feels calm and quiet to you
- Set a time limit: 5-10 minutes is a good starting point
- Notice your body: sit in a chair with feet on the floor, cross-legged, in lotus posture, kneel, etc.
- Feel your breath: follow the sensation of your breath as it goes in and out, then return to the breath
Mindfulness meditation practice
Take a good seat, pay attention to the breath, and when your attention wanders, return.
- Reduce stress, anxiety, and negative emotions, cool yourself down when your temper flares, and sharpen your concentration skills
- Diana Winston February 26, 2016
