THE ENERGY OF MINDFULNESS
I am often asked if meditation and mindfulness are the same thing. Both are big, juicy concepts but in relative terms we can consider meditation as an activity and mindfulness as an attitude. In other words, mindfulness is the mindset of meditation. Ideally this is also the attitude we roll with day to day, though that can feel pretty challenging from time to time (say for example, most of this year!).
If the present moment is all we really have, mindfulness is the energy that keeps us aware of what is happening right now rather than fast forwarding or looking in the rear view mirror of life. It is also paying attention to what is happening moment to moment without resisting it (wishing something wasn’t happening) or getting too tangled up in it (holding on too tight). Of course, we all know from experience that our minds have the tendency to wander all over the place and often trip us up. The moment our mind is elsewhere, we’ve lost the present moment and (to borrow a phrase from Thich Nhat Hahn) we miss our appointment with life.
Having a regular meditation practice helps us practice ‘nowness’ and to generate three kinds of energy: mindfulness, concentration and insight. Having a meditation practice is where we can stock up on these precious inner resources and apply them throughout our ‘real lives.’ With time we get better at staying on task, finding steadiness of mind and meeting what is actually happening without adding extra commentary or story lines.
Meditation doesn't need to be fancy. It is as simple as taking the time to be with the body and the breath. Allowing things to come and go. Sitting, breathing and knowing it.
One quote…
Stop. Just for a moment.
Feel the magic of the in-breath and the out-breath, one breath at a time. Feel the belly rising and falling in its own sweet time, like an ocean wave. Feel the air moving through the nostrils, down the back of the throat. Feel how deeply the air moves into the body.
Notice what is alive in your body right now. Come out of the story of past and future, of regret and anticipation, of “what’s not here” and “what should be here,” and give some kind attention to the dance of physical sensation happening here, where you are.
Jeff Foster
One question…
Close your eyes. Take a couple of deep breaths. Where in your body do you feel the breath most vividly and can you rest there for a moment?
Sent with love,
Melissa x