Daily Mindfulness 9/19/12

Mindfulness can be practiced in a sitting meditation by focusing on deep breaths, and being present where we are.  We also hear of walking meditations, where we are mindful of each step we take, feeling the ground beneath our feet, and our feet on the ground.  However, mindfulness is most beneficial when practiced in daily life.  It may help us with anxiety, fear, anger, regret, resentments, or any other number of emotions and thoughts.

Practicing mindfulness throughout the day is a struggle for many of us.  We get lost in our work, our school, our family, and other daily tasks.  We go on autopilot, and before we know it, much of the day has passed us.  In order to practice mindfulness with the natural chaos of our lives, we may need to find a way to remind ourselves.  Setting an alarm, notification, or reminder on our phones is a great way.  Or, we may use a certain occurrence as a reminder.  Some people take a deep breath every time they hear a phone ring or a door shut.

Practicing mindfulness on a regular basis takes work, and sitting meditation definitely aides our efforts to be more mindful in general.  Mindfulness in daily life allows us to speak, listen, act, and experience from our heart.  We are able to enjoy the present moment just a little bit more each day, and not turn our lives over to our thoughts and perceptions.