Meditation and Mindfulness
What is so important about meditation and mindfulness? Why does it seem like a fad I am seeing everywhere?
Meditation and Mindfulness seem to be on the forefront of a lot of things these days. Exactly what is it? Why is it around? And why does it seem to be the new “fad”?
Meditation by Merriam-Webster defninition is:
1: to engage in contemplation or reflection
2 : to engage in mental exercise (such as concentration on one's breathing or repetition of a mantra) for the purpose of reaching a heightened level of spiritual awareness
Meditation is not a new fad. The earliest documentation of the practice was anywhere from 5,000 to 3,500 BC. Here is a great informational article about its complete history.
For many of us, Meditation seems either scary, stupid, or completely unknown. The beauty in meditation is that it is all in what we make of it. It does not need to be a religious experience, or can be completely done in a religious manner. However you meditate, do it intentionally.
You may be asking yourself, “do I really need to sit criss cross and say that ‘ohm’ stuff outloud?” You can! You don’t have to. It can be as simple as sitting straight in a chair, breathing deep, and really focusing your mind on what you want to manifest. That’s it. Meditation is a great way to get all that extra chatter out of your head, and be present with your feelings as they are. This is not some escape route as others may think, and it doesn’t have to be “mind clearning.” I suggest being fully present with your thoughts or current feelings; good, or bad. By bringing awareness to the situation, it can provide you with clarity in a way that isn’t intrusive.
Which brings me to mindfulness. Mindfulness is also a practice that has been around for a long time. Anna Barnes explains,
Mindfulness is about focusing on the magic of the present moment. Rather than fretting about the past or worrying about the future, the aim is to experience life as it unfolds moment by moment…This allows us to tap into the joy and wonder in our lives, and to listen to the wisdom of our hearts.
Unlike Meditation, which should be done in a quiet space, with high intentions, mindfulness can be done anywhere. Throughout your day, you can remember to be mindful by just slowing down your breathing, and really being present in what you’re doing. You’ll be amazed at how this can change your life.
So why does this seem like a fad? What is the deal anyways? I will tell you from a skeptics experience, the practice of meditation and being mindful will change your life. No, I’m not kidding, and no, I’m not being dramatic. Quite simply, without having put these two things into my life, I’m not sure I would be able to manage all the things I do. I also find myself enjoying things more. Like my family, friends, the taste of really good food, a sip of really great tea.
We all know the saying, “tomorrow isn’t promised to anyone.” We all say it, but many of us don’t truly believe it. We all have things on our calendars for the upcoming days, weeks, months, sometimes things a year in advance. Knowing the whole while that we may never make it to those points in time. By planning parts of our future, but enjoying all that life offers right now, you will start see a life abundantly filled.
Want to know more, or how to get started? These books can get you started on the right path. They are insightful, yet easy to understand. I have them linked to Barnes & Noble.
Peace is Every Step by Thich That Hanh
How to be Mindful by Anna Barnes
Mastering Mindfulness by Kim Davies