-
Why should I consider setting an intention for my mindfulness practice?
“Intentions are the primary or underlying motivations for what we think, say or do.” Gil Fronsdal Setting an intention solidifies exactly what we would like to have happen. It might be an overarching life desire such as intending to be happy, successful, or wealthy. Or it can be something simple such as wanting to listen… Continue reading
-
Objects of Meditation
Formal mindfulness meditation is about training the mind in concentration and attention. By definition, concentration and attention require that we hold our minds in one place, focused on one object, for an extended period of time. We experience this state of full attention and concentration in many areas of our lives, often not intentionally. When… Continue reading
-
What got me started with mindfulness meditation?
I always thought meditation was cool. It was something that seemed out of reach to me. I didn’t know anyone who did it, except those I saw on television. I never had a class or had a teacher talk about it. My parents were neither introspective nor spiritual so such things were never brought up… Continue reading
-
How do I strengthen my practice? Essential Practice II
In the blog about Essential Practice I I talked about how to start a basic foundational practice of following the rise and fall of the breath in the belly. This first stage of practice asks us to follow our breath and the sensations of breathing occurring in the rise and fall of our belly with… Continue reading
-
What practice should I start with? Essential Practice I
Two foundational or basic practices are often taught in an introduction to mindfulness meditation course. The first is a body scan, and the second is mindfulness of breathing. There are many guided examples of both of these. I like to start with mindfulness of breath as calming the breath turns down our fight or flight… Continue reading
-
How do I build a meditation practice?
Building a strong regular meditation practice is like building any other habit. We build all kinds of habits through repetition, attention, and, experiencing some reward. For instance, we build the habit of brushing our teeth starting when we are children. First, because we are told to by our parents, reaping the reward of pleasing them.… Continue reading
-
Why is it important to work with basic mindfulness practices?
With any skill we want to master it is important to lay a strong foundation for that skill. The same holds true with the practice of mindful meditation. To become an excellent basketball player, we must practice the basics of running, catching and throwing the ball, guarding our opponents, etc. Becoming a good cook or… Continue reading
-
What is mindfulness meditation?
Three concepts are tied up in the phrase “mindfulness meditation.” Meditation, mindfulness, and mindfulness meditation. Let me start by talking about meditation in general. Many types of meditation are available, and mindfulness meditation is simply one. Meditation is a technique used to train attention and awareness. Many things qualify as meditation, including movement practices such… Continue reading
-
Is guided meditation bad to use?
It isn’t. Guided meditations are recommended for anyone new to meditation. Using guided meditations can also be useful for learning a new type of practice or to have a different experience. Whenever I teach, I guide meditation so students can learn the basic outline of how to practice. We often repeat guided meditation so students… Continue reading
-
What is the definition of mindfulness?
Jon Kabat-Zin, a famous mindfulness teacher and author of Full Catastrophe Living, defined mindfulness this way: paying attention in the moment, on purpose, without judgment “Paying attention” “means moving our attention and focus into the present moment where we can experience all that is happening right now. We all have the experience of not paying… Continue reading
-
Subscribe
Subscribed
Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
Being Present 