Training
Phil and
Miguel left comments in the past asking for further
clarification on mindfulness, anger, etc. I pondered
over these for a long time. I knew I could write a
response, but wondered what it would really mean to
the reader. Months later, I've come to a conclusion.
The answers to those questions cannot be found in a
blog. They can only be found through the practice of
mindfulness. So, what is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that one might define as a moment of non-judgemental reflection and attention. It requires one to be aware of his body, actions, thoughts, feelings, etc in that moment. Mindfulness is concerned with the present -- not the past, nor the future. The past is gone and the future is made up of only the present. Therefore, a practioner of mindfulness meditation hopes to live in momentary, nonjudgemental awareness.
This requires training -- mindful walking, breathing, sitting, hugging. One can even drive mindfully or wash dishes mindfully. Modern life does not diminish our ability to be mindful. The first lesson is mindful breathing.
Here are Thich Nhat Hanhs's directions for mindful breathing:
"To practice mindful breathing, just observe the natural rhythm of the breath. Please do so without forcing it to be longer, deeper, or slower. With attention and a little time, your breath with deepen naturally on its own. Occasionally, your mind will wander off. Our practice is simply to take note of this distraction and to bring our attention gently back to our breath. If you like, you may use the sentences listed here to help you in focusing your attention. During the duration of several in and out breaths, follow your breath from beginning to end. Use the keywords at the end of each pair of sentences to help you maintain your awareness:
1. Breathing in, I am aware only of my in breath. Breathing out, I am aware only of my out breath...In, Out
You can practice mindful breathing in any situation: while sitting, lying down, standing, driving, or working. Breathing consciously will bring more awareness and concentration to whatever you are doing."
The key here is to follow focus all of your attention on the moment. Initially, try doing this while sitting or walking. If you lay, you might fall asleep. The goal is to focus the attention of your mind on your body. It “connects” your mind with your body. Your body is breathing in and out. Your mind should feel the air hit your tongue, the back of your month, into your lungs. And then feel it leave. Really be present for your breath. You’ll start to really feel your heartbeat. You’ll feel calm, because you shouldn’t be thinking about ANYTHING other than your breath. This is a lot harder than it seems. This concentration -- this awareness -- requires training.
I never realized what an amazing thing breathing was until I really sat down to experience it. I know that one day, I'll gasp for my last breath. And when I do, I'll wish I had one more. I try to really experience each one.
“We need to think of our attention as something we must train just as we train our fingers to play the piano or violin. We don't just practice when we are performing, we practice intensely in between performances.” - Gregg Krech
Mindfulness is a form of meditation that one might define as a moment of non-judgemental reflection and attention. It requires one to be aware of his body, actions, thoughts, feelings, etc in that moment. Mindfulness is concerned with the present -- not the past, nor the future. The past is gone and the future is made up of only the present. Therefore, a practioner of mindfulness meditation hopes to live in momentary, nonjudgemental awareness.
This requires training -- mindful walking, breathing, sitting, hugging. One can even drive mindfully or wash dishes mindfully. Modern life does not diminish our ability to be mindful. The first lesson is mindful breathing.
Here are Thich Nhat Hanhs's directions for mindful breathing:
"To practice mindful breathing, just observe the natural rhythm of the breath. Please do so without forcing it to be longer, deeper, or slower. With attention and a little time, your breath with deepen naturally on its own. Occasionally, your mind will wander off. Our practice is simply to take note of this distraction and to bring our attention gently back to our breath. If you like, you may use the sentences listed here to help you in focusing your attention. During the duration of several in and out breaths, follow your breath from beginning to end. Use the keywords at the end of each pair of sentences to help you maintain your awareness:
1. Breathing in, I am aware only of my in breath. Breathing out, I am aware only of my out breath...In, Out
You can practice mindful breathing in any situation: while sitting, lying down, standing, driving, or working. Breathing consciously will bring more awareness and concentration to whatever you are doing."
The key here is to follow focus all of your attention on the moment. Initially, try doing this while sitting or walking. If you lay, you might fall asleep. The goal is to focus the attention of your mind on your body. It “connects” your mind with your body. Your body is breathing in and out. Your mind should feel the air hit your tongue, the back of your month, into your lungs. And then feel it leave. Really be present for your breath. You’ll start to really feel your heartbeat. You’ll feel calm, because you shouldn’t be thinking about ANYTHING other than your breath. This is a lot harder than it seems. This concentration -- this awareness -- requires training.
I never realized what an amazing thing breathing was until I really sat down to experience it. I know that one day, I'll gasp for my last breath. And when I do, I'll wish I had one more. I try to really experience each one.
“We need to think of our attention as something we must train just as we train our fingers to play the piano or violin. We don't just practice when we are performing, we practice intensely in between performances.” - Gregg Krech
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