Mindfulness Is For Everyone

What Is It and Why Is It for Everyone?

Wikipedia Definition of Mindfulness: “Mindfulness is the practice of bringing one’s attention to the internal and external experiences occurring in the present moment,

^[1] which can be developed through the practice of meditation.^[1] The term “mindfulness” is a translation of the Pali-term sati,^[2] which is a significant element of some Buddhist traditions. The popular mindfulness movement was initiated by Jon Kabat-Zinn.”

So, why would I choose the picture above to depict mindlessness? Contrary to popular opinion, mindfulness is not just a meditation. It involves utilizing all the senses and allowing or creating enhanced awareness of every detail and nuance contained in an experience. We’ll look at this in more depth in a minute. First, let’s see what else Wikipedia tells us about it.

Large population-based research studies have indicated that the practice of mindfulness is strongly correlated with well-being and perceived health.^[3][4] Studies have also shown that rumination and worry contribute to mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety,^[5][6] and that mindfulness-based interventions are effective in the reduction of both rumination and worry.^[5][7]….

Clinical studies have documented the physical and mental health benefits of mindfulness in general, and MBSR in particular.^[17][18][19] Programs based on MBSR and similar models have been widely adapted in schools, prisons, hospitals, veterans centers, and other environments.

 So, let’s look at the picture. Here it is again. I want you to pretend you are right there where this picture was taken. Stare at it for a few moments, and then, using your imagination, allow yourself to smell the ocean air as the breeze caresses your face and body. Hear the rhythmic sounds of the waves, as they wash repeatedly onto the sand, and hear the sounds of the seagulls gliding overhead, although they may be out of sight.

As you stare into the water, you become mindful of the many shades of blue, green and gray in the water, as it covers greater and lesser depths below. You are aware not only of the waves, but of little currents and eddies that are much more subtle and remind you of how life is between major events….never still, but always moving forward in some direction.

Be aware of the beautiful light of the sun, allowing you to see near and far, and infusing your head, shoulders, and body with its calming heat. Feel the warmth and grit of the sand under your bare feet. Wiggle them and dig your toes into the sand, feeling how the grains get cooler and wetter, the deeper your toes go.

Pick up some of the foam in your hands and feel it puffy and light in your palms. Watch the bubbles breaking in the foam, as you and the surrounding air breathe into into it. You see flecks of sand and seaweed in what you thought was white foam. Your awareness begins to focus so tightly that you feel as if you can see the actual molecules moving rapidly inside the foam.

As you move your attention to stroke the carefully-balanced rocks, you can feel their rough texture, even as you admire the smooth outward appearance.These rocks are made of the solidified minerals, the same minerals which may be in your body and which make you feel so grounded into the earth. Feel your oneness with earth and imagine you have roots grounding in the earth, while your spirit still soars with the breeze into the vastness of the sky.

Let go of all analytical thought and let your consciousness meld with the sights, sounds, smells, and feelings of the sky, the water, the air, the waves, the sand, and the stones. Become one with all around you and then notice how you ARE in this moment. Are you relaxed now? Are your pains escaping their boundaries within your body? Be aware of your breath…let it be slow and deep. Can you now feel the peace within you that comes from being fully present in the moment? Keep practicing, and it all can come to you, bringing you enhanced self-awareness, awareness of your surroundings, and releasing both fears of the future, and unhappiness with past events or circumstance.

Of course, classes on this topic are longer than blogs. For example, we would use the above description, but also we would draw the analogies with life experiences to help release tensions, toxins, and stresses in body, mind, and spirit. It’s one thing to do this while relaxing by an ocean; it’s another to do it at work or in the midst of family strife. However, it can work in all circumstances. Feel free to contact me either via this website or by emailing me at GetWellStayWell@Outlook.com if you would like to book a session for groups or for an individual.

Please come back for the next blog in this series, Mindfulness Series#2. Meanwhile,

Let’s Get Well, Stay Well, and Live Well!