What is mindfulness? Being more mindful? Mindfulness meditation??

We may have heard these phrases banded around recently but what does “mindfulness” mean???

Well according to the oxford dictionary mindfulness means:

The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something: “their mindfulness of the wider cinematic tradition”

 “A mental state achieved by focusing one’s awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one’s feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique”

In a world of technology and fast paced living we seem to have lost touch of our minds and become detached from our own feelings.

When we visit a museum, art gallery, concert, carnival to name but a few activities we are often viewing them through our mobile phone cameras ready to download onto social media for our friends to see – look at what I have been experiencing!! But in our eagerness to “share “with others we ourselves miss really experiencing the moment.

So how can we be more mindful? How will it help us? How much will it cost? Where do we go? Is there a social media page????

Well it’s very easy, it will help us to be calmer & happier, it doesn’t have to cost anything, and yes there probably is a social media page!

Here are a few tips that have helped me:

• Get into nature. Get outside for a walk in the sun, rain, snow!  Theres no such thing as the wrong weather you are just wearing the wrong clothes! Be aware of your surroundings, the ground under your feet, and the trees around you. Take your time to appreciate your surroundings.

• Turn off the TV, radio, laptop, tablet and phone. Go about your daily tasks such as housework, gardening, dog walking, and paperwork. Pay attention to what you are doing and notice how it makes you feel with no distractions.

• Try yoga, meditation or Tai Chi with an experienced qualified teacher to guide you.

• Get up 10 min early in the morning and find a quiet place to sit where you won’t be disturbed. Turn all technology off and sit and observe your thoughts, try not to expect too much or try too hard just see where your thoughts take you. Focus on your breathing, focus on your hands, focus on your feet. This will help to anchor you in the moment.

http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/stress-anxiety-depression/pages/mindfulness.aspx

Here in Lichfield we are very lucky to have a regular mediation class run by the Tara Centre

 (Buddhist centre in Derbyshire) Classes are held at the Guildhall in Lichfield follow this link for more details http://www.tarakmc.org/meditation-classes/lichfield/ 

Avoid setting out to change anything, just allow yourself to view the present moment more clearly. Allow your mind to be less cluttered and in turn help to improve your health and wellbeing. But as always If you are suffering from any medical conditions always check with your doctor first. 

“Be happy in the moment, that’s enough. Each moment is all we need, not more” Mother Teresa.