Do you have a mindfulness practice?

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   Tom Rubenoffposted 10 years ago

   Do you have a mindfulness practice?
   
   Mindfulness practice seems to be gaining momentum in the United States, and is widely endorsed by spiritual leaders and prominent doctors as a way to a better, calmer, healthier life.  According to Jon Kabat-Zinn , "mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose, in the present moment, and non judgmentally."   What role, if any, does mindfulness play in your life? 
   
   Jon Kabat-Zinn is Professor of Medicine  and creator of the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society at the University of Massachusetts Medical School.

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   A_Kposted 10 years ago

   Mindfulness practice owes its origin to the Buddhist tradition. I have heard a lot about it. I think the practice enables you to live in present or "now" with heightened awareness. A lot of our worries and toxic emotions are linked in the way our mind functions dwelling in past or future. I am sure this practice can lead to lot of benefits in mental and physical health. It would enable you to grasp better, think better, take better decisions and lead a calm and peaceful life without worries because sources of our worries are not there - out in the objective world - but inside our head..

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      Tom Rubenoffposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think a mindfulness practice does not eliminate worry, but simply give someone a less harmful relationship to it.  Thank you, A_k

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   Sri Tposted 10 years ago

   Yes. Drop the past. People often indulge in unpleasant thoughts or feelings from past thoughts, illusions or disappointments with others. To be free, the negative thoughts and feelings must be dropped immediately. Also, the expectation of perfect behavior or manners from others must be dropped. When you allow others to behave the way they want, good or bad, there is no disappointment. It becomes irrelevant. By detaching from thoughts, feelings, and other's behavior, you transcend all negativity. The past does not exist. It is only a group of thoughts. There is no continuity of thoughts or events. Clarity right now is the only reality. Everything else is just a memory of concepts. Best to be ignored and forgotten.

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      Tom Rubenoffposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      The present moment is the only moment.  Thank you.

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   tsmogposted 10 years ago

   I use mindfulness. I am not as knowledgeable as I would like to be or as consistent at it as I should be. I usually always use some of the techniques with anxiety. I was taught to embrace the feelings that cause discomfort no matter of the past, present, or future. That is kinda' the purpose of mindfulness I learned. To recognize those feelings since they are the cause of discomfort and do it mindfully.
   
   Mindfulness is having a large spurt of growth. There is much thought with it regarding therapeutic values. It is connected extensively with Acceptance - Commitment Therapy (ACT). There is a high success rate with depression, mood disorders, and anxiety disorders. A simple search at youtube offers a plethora of both practitioners and educational institutes. UCSD has center dedicated to it within its health system and curriculum.
   
   I have friends who underwent workshop series provided by UCSD. Some were able to resolve past issues that prevented them from functioning in the present effectively leading toward the future. The ones I know have an apparent higher sense of happiness and calmer aura in stressful situations. I am thinking of committing to one of those workshops this year.

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      Tom Rubenoffposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      I think everybody has past issues that prevent them from functioning in the present.  Thank you for sharing.

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   Seafarer Mamaposted 10 years ago

   Most of the time I walk labyrinths as my mindfulness practice. The journey inward, then outward clears my psychic cobwebs and adds clarity of purpose to what I do and say. ~:0)...Usually do this barefoot to connect as deeply as possible to earth's healing energies. ~:0)

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      Tom Rubenoffposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Sounds very nice.  A strong visualization with lots of sensory cues.

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   mikejhcaposted 10 years ago

   Yes, I have a mindfulness practice. Mindfulness helps me relax and it improves my luck. It increases my awareness of my body, my thoughts, my emotions and what is actually going around me. I am calmer and healthier. Stress is bad. Relaxation is very good.
   
   I learned how to meditate. After that I started paying more attention to the present moment. I pay more attention to me and my surroundings.

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      Tom Rubenoffposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Also, if one is mindful, one can pay attention much more deeply to others.  Thank you, Mike!

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