Post by Sam on Mar 24, 2016 10:56:30 GMT
Mindfulness is the ability to remain aware of how you’re feeling right now, your “moment-to-moment” experience—both internal and external. Thinking about the past—blaming and judging yourself—or worrying about the future can generate stress. But by staying calm and focused in the present moment, you can bring your nervous system back into balance. Mindfulness can be applied to activities such as walking, exercising, eating, or meditation.
Meditations that cultivate mindfulness have long been used to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions. Some of these meditations bring you into the present by focusing your attention on a single repetitive action, such as your breathing, a few repeated words, or the flickering light of a candle. Other forms of mindfulness meditation encourage you to follow and then release internal thoughts or sensations.
Practicing mindfulness meditation
To practice mindfulness meditation, you’ll need:
A quiet environment.
Choose a secluded place in your home, office, or outdoors where you can relax without distractions or interruptions.
A comfortable position.
Get comfortable, but avoid lying down as this may lead to you falling asleep.
Sit up with your spine straight, either in a chair or on the floor. You can also try a cross-legged or lotus position.
A point of focus-You can meditate with your eyes closed or open so this point can be internal—a feeling or imaginary scene—or external—a flame, an object in your surroundings, or a meaningful word or phrase that you repeat throughout the meditation.
An observant, noncritical attitude.
Don’t worry about distracting thoughts that go through your mind or about how well you’re doing. If thoughts intrude during your relaxation session, don’t fight them, just gently turn your attention back to your point of focus.
~S
www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm
Meditations that cultivate mindfulness have long been used to reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and other negative emotions. Some of these meditations bring you into the present by focusing your attention on a single repetitive action, such as your breathing, a few repeated words, or the flickering light of a candle. Other forms of mindfulness meditation encourage you to follow and then release internal thoughts or sensations.
Practicing mindfulness meditation
To practice mindfulness meditation, you’ll need:
A quiet environment.
Choose a secluded place in your home, office, or outdoors where you can relax without distractions or interruptions.
A comfortable position.
Get comfortable, but avoid lying down as this may lead to you falling asleep.
Sit up with your spine straight, either in a chair or on the floor. You can also try a cross-legged or lotus position.
A point of focus-You can meditate with your eyes closed or open so this point can be internal—a feeling or imaginary scene—or external—a flame, an object in your surroundings, or a meaningful word or phrase that you repeat throughout the meditation.
An observant, noncritical attitude.
Don’t worry about distracting thoughts that go through your mind or about how well you’re doing. If thoughts intrude during your relaxation session, don’t fight them, just gently turn your attention back to your point of focus.
~S
www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/relaxation-techniques-for-stress-relief.htm