Meditation has always been a part of the Buddhist practice. It helps to calm the mind and bring attention away from distracting thoughts. It can also be used for stress relief or rejuvenation of the body and mind. Some people might even use it as a way to handle anxiety or depression.
Mindfulness is an approach that helps you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings. This means that you are more aware of what you are thinking about in any given moment, rather than just letting your thoughts flow without any control over them. It also a case where you’re very much in touch with your emotions, especially when they come up unexpectedly.
How Can I Practice Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the act of focusing your attention on the present moment without judgment. It means being aware of, accepting, and responding to what is occurring in the current moment with an open, curious, and compassionate mindset.
A lot of people find it hard to bring themselves back to the present moment when they are surrounded by their thoughts. This is where mindfulness comes into play – it helps you become more aware of your thoughts and surroundings so that you can respond to them in a healthy way.
Mental health professionals often recommend practising mindfulness for short periods throughout our days because it can help regulate moods and reduce stress, among other benefits.
Ways to Start Practising Mindfulness Every Day
1) Find a quiet space, and find a time every day when you can block out all outside noise, distractions, and interruptions.
2) Begin by focusing on your breathing- take three deep inhales and exhales per minute throughout your practice. Focus on the sensation of your breath as it enters and exits through your nose or mouth.
3) Learn to acknowledge and be with your thoughts and emotions as they arise, with no judgement or trying to change them. By staying with them for three minutes without interference, you can learn to recognize how they create reactions in your body and the feelings that arise as a result.
As you progress through your day, you might notice that the amount of stress builds up in your body. It is important to find ways to relieve it. This includes practising meditation and mindfulness practices regularly to keep you calm and centred throughout the day, and make it part of your daily routine.
With so many different sources of stress in our lives, it can be overwhelming trying to manage all the pressures at once. So, Mindfulness is a great and helpful tool for managing your mental state and staying grounded throughout the day, so give it a try today…