mindfulness

noun  mind·ful·ness  \ ˈmīn(d)-fəl-nəs \ : the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of heightened or complete awareness of one's thoughts, emotions, or experiences on a moment-to-moment basis; also : such a state of awareness.

 

Mindfulness vs. Meditation 

 

 BENEFITS OF MEDITATION

So you've noticed meditation and mindfulness has began gaining traction in our culture today, you could even say it's become quite 'trendy'.  View it as you want, but I believe it has become so popular for good reason.   I think it's important though to make a distinction between mindfulness and meditation.  As stated above, mindfulness is the practice of maintaining a nonjudgmental state of awareness.  Meditation is to focus and concentrates ones mind on reflection, contemplation or a specific purpose for a moment of time.  There are so many different ways in which you can meditate, endless online information, conflicting ideas and claims of what is the best way to create your own practice.  

 

https://www.dharma.org/meditation-retreats/new-meditation-ims/benefits-of-meditation/

Zazen (Zen meditation) - also known as seated meditation. 

focusing on the breath and keeping good posture as to help concentration. 

Vipassana Meditation

 

 Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness meditation is the practice of intentionally focusing on the present moment, accepting and non-judgmentally paying attention to the sensations, thoughts, and emotions that arise. 

 

Loving Kindness Meditation (Metta Meditation)

I began practicing Loving Kindness metta meditation in my Buddhism course in university.  This was the first time I had ever heard or experienced anything outside of mindfulness meditation.  I loved what Metta was all about

One sits down in a meditation position, with closed eyes, and generates in his mind and heart feelings of kindness and benevolence. Start by developing loving-kindness towards yourself, then progressively towards others and all beings. Usually this progression is advised:

  1. oneself
  2. a good friend
  3. a “neutral” person
  4. a difficult person
  5. all four of the above equally
  6. and then gradually the entire universe

The feeling to be developed is that of wishing happiness and well-being for all.

https://liveanddare.com/types-of-meditation

Mantra Meditation (OM Meditation)

 

Ultimately, I think it comes down to finding what works for you.  Want to 

 

There are so incredible benefits to incorporating a daily meditation practice into your life.  

Resources;

Apps - 

https://www.headspace.com/   

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  • Headspace has been invaluable to my journey in meditation.  They offer an incredible range of meditations, anything from stress relief, prioritization, focus, and communication to meditations on change, pain management and sleeping well all on their paid subscription.  If you're not keen on spending the money, Headspace also offers their foundation 'Take 10' mindfulness meditations for free.  Allotting ten minutes a day to quite your mind, be present and just breath is a truly wonderful place to start.

https://www.stopbreathethink.com/ 

https://www.calm.com/ 

Websites

https://www.mindful.org/

  • Website with great articles, resources and practical steps to begin living a more mindful life.