MINDFULNESS

 It's estimated that we spend more than 50% of our waking hours on autopilot, jumping from one thing to the other with great distraction and frequent interruption. In other words, we are only present for about half of what we experience each day. This undoubtedly limits the time we make conscious choices for ourselves and leaves many of us feeling disconnected, pressed for time, and often, stressed or anxious.

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Mindfulness is one of the more commonly practiced, scientifically validated, forms of meditation. Mindfulness is a learned skill to train the mind to be present. During practice, awareness typically rests on the breath, or other sensation of the body, which allows the mind to settle in the present moment. A soft focus on the in and out of the breath allows for a reprieve from constant planning/worry for the future and/or review of what has passed. When the mind gets distracted and wanders off to thoughts or feelings, the practitioner gently guides the mind back to the body, or the breath, and simply begins again. This practice of guiding the mind back to body is one way to learn to be present more of the time during, and outside of, meditation practice. Group practice can greatly enhance your personal practice and help you keep up the habit of meditating daily. 

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“Mindfulness is not a mechanical process. It is developing a very gentle, kind, and creative awareness to the present moment.” 
― Amit Ray, Mindfulness Living in the Moment - Living in the Breath

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