Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation is a type of meditation that has been significantly refined through the Buddhist tradition and is currently enjoying international popularity due to the increased interest in Buddhism worldwide.
Mindfulness is a mental state characterized by complete awareness of the present moment. Mindfulness meditation brings one’s attention to what is happening in the now - the existing moment. By doing this, practitioners come to see both internal and external phenomena as nothing but aspects of the mind.
For example, we all experience “chatter” in the mind. Indeed, it seems the mind is continuously chattering and making judgments on perceived phenomena. By noticing this activity of the mind, while it is happening, you can observe those thoughts without attachment and aversion to them, thus bringing about the state of non-judgment. Through non-judgment one is enable to release thoughts and recognize them for what they are – simply thoughts. This aids in bringing one to the state of “no mind”, sometimes called “big mind”.
If you’re lost by now, don’t worry. There are plenty of websites online whereby you can further your understanding of mindfulness meditation.
Mindfulness meditation does not have to be constrained to a formal meditation session but can be performed anywhere at any moment. One can even use external stimuli as a springing board to jump into the meditation, such as a red stop light.
Try this: the next time you are driving in your car and you come to a red traffic signal, let that red light be your starting point for a quick mindfulness meditation right there in your vehicle. Simply become aware of the present moment – as each moment comes to you. Drop the past, don’t think about the future. Just be in the now. That, my friends, is mindfulness meditation, pure and simple.
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Joan Willis, journalist on all topics for travel and health.
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