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Introduction to Mindfulness and Mindfulness Meditation

"In today's rush we all think too much - seek too much - want too much - and forget about the joy of just being.”

~Eckhart Tolle

 

I am so happy you are here! It means you've heard and paid attention to an inner calling to restore balance, wholeness and serenity to your life and are ready to learn more about how to incorporate mindful practices into daily life. I am honored to be a part of your journey.

 

WHAT IS MINDFULNESS AND MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

 

 

 

MINDFULNESS

 

Mindfulness is the art of paying attention with an open and curious mind to present-moment experiences, bringing the fullness of our attention to each moment, non-judgmentally. Mindfulness is not thinking, interpreting, or evaluating; it is a nonjudgmental awareness of perception which does not anticipate the future or reflect back on the past. By tuning in to mental processes, we are able to recognize that our thoughts are just thoughts; they don't necessarily represent reality. We can observe them rather than being subject to them.

 

Mindfulness lets us absorb the richness of the moment instead of going through life with half of our attention on the past or future or our own mental chatter. We directly participate in each moment as it unfolds with awareness, openness and compassion.The self-knowledge that comes from mindfulness lets us be more intentional in choosing priorities and actions that fit our life mission.

 

Click to download the following white papers:

 

 

MINDFULNESS MEDITATION

 

Mindfulness meditation has been around for more than 2,500 years. It is the practice of building skills for becoming wakeful and calm in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. We reconnect with our true selves, becoming more resilient, resourceful and receptive to the richness and fullness of our lives. When mindfulness is the primary tool of meditation, the awareness that we apply to our breath (or to whatever our focus of meditation is) can be expanded to include all physical and mental processes so that we may become more mindful of our thoughts and actions.

 

During meditation, whenever you notice the mind wandering off, lost in thought, be aware of that with nonjudging awareness, gently connect it again to your anchor. Just feel from within the stream of sensations. Not striving or anticipating, not pouncing on sensations in the present, not bending back to what was just missed or reflecting on what just happened, keep inclining to the totality of the present moment. Keep anchoring easily, deeply, restfully. Just one breath at a time.

 

Mindfulness of breath begins to collect and concentrate the mind so that the initial distractions of thoughts, emotions, sensations, and sounds soon become objects of awareness themselves. Insight is gained into the true nature of the body and mind. As concentration grows, mindfulness opens to the entire "flow" of body/mind experience through all the sense doors -- sights, sounds, smells, tastes, touch and mental/emotive.

 

“Although the practice of meditation is associated with a sense of peacefulness and physical relaxation, practitioners have long claimed that meditation also provides cognitive and psychological benefits that persist throughout the day,” says author Sara Lazar, a Harvard Medical School instructor in psychology. “It is fascinating to see the brain’s plasticity and that, by practicing meditation, we can play an active role in changing the brain and can increase our well-being and quality of life,” says Britta Hölzel, a research fellow at Massachusetts General Hospital and Giessen University in Germany.

 

The powerful benefits of mindfulness meditation provide a daily respite from the busy world around you. In today’s fast-paced society, we are often bombarded with a multitude of conflicting challenges and responsibilities. The stress experienced can be overwhelming. If you are ready to quiet the clamor, even for 5 or 20 minutes, mindfulness meditation is the key, giving your mind, body and soul a gift when you plug into these mindful meditations on a daily basis!

 

Right click on any of the following meditations to download

 

5-Minute Mindfulness Meditation

Explore the present moment by bringing focus and awareness to the breath.

 

Walking Meditation

Unite step-by-step mindful movement with the breath.

 

Tree Meditation

Connect with nature, nourishing body, mind and spirit.

 

Guided Imagery for Relaxation

Release tension and tightness, welcoming a restful state.

 

Guided Imagery for Pain

Open to pain with acceptance and self-compassion.

 

Impermanence of Impulses Meditation

Reflect on impulses with awareness, acknowledging and accepting their impermanence.

 

5-Minute Body Scan

Bring focus and awareness to each part of the body.

 

Loving Kindness Meditation

Open your heart to inner guidance and to receiving more of the miracles that life has to offer.

 

Awareness Meditation

Practice awareness, opening your eyes and your heart to light and love.

 

Mindfulness Meditation

Focus on the present moment without self-judgement.

 

Note: For guided body scan, guided sitting meditation, and guided yoga sequences, visit mindfulmeditations.com

 

Disclaimer: The Mindful Practices discussed and offered on this website do not constitute professional medical advice and should not be used as a substitute for medical diagnosis, advice or services.

 

OTHER MINDFUL PRACTICES

 

Yoga has been practiced for more than 5,000 years and can be an important part of a mindful practice. If yoga doesn't appeal to you, try chair yoga - it can be done by anyone and provides a refreshing respite from sedentary work, a break in the day for busy moms, dads, students - and it is perfect for anyone needing to stay in a sitting position. Remember, with any yoga, to work at your "edge" just where you feel a slight challenge, never pushing your body to a point that causes pain. Yoga benefits all levels of flexibility. Doing yoga regularly, you may find yourself more flexible and stronger as well. Be sure to check with your doctor before beginning any exercise.

 

YOGA POSES YOU CAN DO FROM A CHAIR

 

 

CHAIR YOGA FOR ALL LEVELS

 

 

You don't have to be a traveler to appreciate the following easy yoga stretches. Whether you travel for work or pleasure, work in a confined space, are on your feet a lot or have constant scheduling demands, you have probably experienced a tired body, tight muscles and aching joints. Fortunately, there is a remedy that can be done on the go: yoga.

 

Click to download: Yoga on the Go: Easy Stretches for Relaxed Traveling

 

Disclaimer: Even though yoga is a safe non-aerobic form of exercise for most healthy people , it is not without its risks. If you think yoga is for you, I encourage you to take a class with an experienced and credentialed instructor to learn the proper way to perform the exercises and avoid injury.

 


 

My commitment is to work from my heart and to honor the sacredness of your process. For even more resources to support you on your journey to mindful living, check out my handpicked list of recommended reading.

 

I'm here to help. If you’d like some extra support as you move through your learning, I offer 1:1 coaching via phone and Skype.