“Meditation is the most valuable activity you can do to change your health and well being.”
~Office of Alternative Medicine of the U.S. Government
Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction is moment to moment, non-judgmental awareness. It is the art of conscious living. It is the decision and the act of paying attention to one’s life, on purpose, as it unfolds. There is no ultimate attainment ~ in other words, it is not goal directed. It is a journey with no arriving. It is a way of being.
The following is a very brief overview of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction ~ the core, the “one sheet” of mindfulness meditation practice. While mindfulness cannot be contained in a few words, a blueprint may serve as a reminder, a beginning or friend.
Mindfulness Meditation is NOT:
Religious
A way to escape your feelings
Making your mind blank
Relaxation
Positive thinking
Goal oriented
Mindfulness Meditation IS:
Moment to moment, non judgmental awareness
Bringing a fullness of attention to whatever is happening
The”art of conscious living”
Brief History of Mindfulness Meditation:
It is an ancient Buddhist practice with profound relevance for today
Mindfulness meditation has nothing to do with being Buddhist
It has everything to do with waking up and living in harmony
My teaching:
Come as you are (and aren’t)
Keep it simple
Begin now
Formal and Informal Meditation:
FormalĀ Meditation:
1. Sitting
2. Walking
3. Body Scan
4. Yoga
Informal Meditation:
1. Bringing focused awareness to your everyday activities
2. Understanding that everything can be a vehicle for awakening