What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won’t).
– James Baraz

Instead of living in the virtual world of thoughts, beliefs, judgments and stories, we are connected to the life within and around us. The practice of living mindfully, helps us notice the moments when we’ve left this vibrant, body and compassionate heart.

Life becomes more than just a moving from one activity to the next and the next. We pause, to actually be with what we’re experiencing moment to moment. Instead of living consumed in the world of thoughts, we live in a vibrant, alive, aware space; the world of living, loving and dying. We stop avoiding certain experiences and feelings and instead learn to open to life; connecting with wisdom (clear seeing) and compassion.

The Different Ways to Practice Mindfulness

Formal Seated Meditation

We sit on a chair or cushion, for a certain period of time with the intention to be present with our moment to moment experience. We observe and sense what is happening in mind, body and heart as different moods, emotions, thoughts, sensations arise. We learnt o be with what is happening instead of reacting to it.

Walking Meditation

We deliberately slow down our automatic fast pace of walking and bring our attention to the activity of walking. Feeling the interplay of being embodied, as well as noticing when our attention drifts into thoughts. Gently bringing our attention back to the activity of walking, helps us cultivate concentration and stability of mind.

Eating Mindfully

We pause before eating, we give gratitude to all the living beings and the earth that provided the food. As we eat, we set aside all distractions to be with the activity of eating. Taking in the nourishment of the food and learning to be with the sense experience of eating. We are present to witness the flow of attention.

In Daily Life

We intentionally pause throughout the day to notice what is happening internally. What is the breath like, what are the quality and mood in the mind, is there ease, tension in the body, can you feel the sensation of the breath, what is it like in the external world. Mindfulness allows us to see how the external and internal world are intricately linked.

Pausing to feel yourself here in this moment, body, heart mind without judgment is a simple way of practicing in daily life.

You can use Tara Brach’s Sacred Pause as a daily practice. This is a short guided meditation that acts as an invitation to connect with what is happening in the present moment. A checking in to connect with this vibrant aliveness, innate goodness and compassion that is always accessible.