Mindfulness For Modern Living

By Laurie Page, LPC

LPage Counseling, LLC

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Mindfulness For Modern Living

It is hard to watch a talk show, or read a magazine these days, without encountering someone extolling the virtues of “mindful meditation.”

What was once considered the domain of Buddhist religious practice has expanded into western thought and caught the attention of teachers, counselors, and the medical profession.

Men and women are seeking information on meditation to help them cope with the stress of everyday life, pain, illness, or the effects of serious trauma.

What is mindful meditation, and why are so many people finding it so effective? Mindfulness is simply the practice of letting go of the future and the past, and allowing oneself to be fully aware of the present moment, the only moment that we can be truly alive. In the present moment, anxieties of what will occur in the future do not exist, nor do regrets and resentments of the past.

Mindful meditation is setting aside a small period of time on a regular basis, to sit in stillness, and allow oneself to fully enter this present moment with no interruptions. Sounds like a pretty simple thing, to be receiving such accolades.

If you are interested in learning to incorporate meditation into your life, there are many groups and websites for support in your journey. But the beautiful simplicity of mediation can also be practiced in the convenience and privacy of your own home.

Try this simple meditation for five minutes every day for a week, and decide for yourself whether this is something that can offer some benefit to you.

1) Set aside a quiet time and place when you are not likely to be interrupted.

2) Turn off your phone and pager.

3) Sit in a position that is comfortable for you.

4) Check in with your muscles, and relax any tight areas that you find. Problem areas are often facial muscles, jaws, necks and shoulders.

5) Let yourself be very aware of any sensations around you. Notice any sounds, smells and skin sensations.

6) Now let your attention focus on your breath. There is no need to breathe in any special way. Just be aware of the breath going in and out of your body. As other thoughts come through your mind, and they will, don't fight them. Just notice them, then bring your attention back to your breath. It's much easier to think about something your breath, than to try not to think about all the other things that are busying your mind.