Mindfulness –Using Meditation as a Tool to Find and Connect to Your True Self

We often hear about meditation and the importance of being mindful but what does that really mean? What is meditation? How does it work? What is mindfulness? How can meditating bring about mindfulness thus helping you connect to your true self?

Meditation is a natural ancient practice that has been used over five thousand years to calm the body, mind and spirit. Meditation’s main purpose is to quiet the mind. Making the mind still leads to calm and centeredness. With calm awareness we tap into and connect with our heart center. Without the interference of troubled thoughts we can release negativity and begin to see our true nature, our true self and unfold into mindfulness.

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way; on purpose in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.” Jon Kabat-Zinn Mindfulness means more than simply being aware.

Although, mindfulness requires being aware of our actions and thoughts, it is deeper and more deliberate. Being mindful means being purposely aware of thoughts and actions, not vaguely or habitually but being aware with conscious deliberation. Take for example, the simple act of eating, eating with mindfulness means that one would be conscious of the act of eating; paying attention to the sensations, taste and textures and the body’s response to these stimuli. If the mind beings to wander we would then refocus our attention back to the present. Being in the present and mindful of our selves leaves allows the storm of our thoughts to die down and what is left is the silence of our heart. We can then pay attention to and attune ourselves to the language of our body, mind and spirit. We become more aware of our needs. The shift slowly starts to take place and the benefits of meditation, awareness and mindfulness are felt in every area of our daily lives.

Although meditation is relaxing and calming it should not be mistaken as a method of relaxation. Meditation is a method used to de-clutter and calm the mind. Doing so, we gain clarity, a clearer view of who we really are. Seeing the real you clearly, without blinders, without negative mind chatter, without belief systems, without stigma, we start to develop awareness and mindfulness. You will start to see the true potential that is you.

In life we normally place a lot of energy into thinking; thinking of doing something or accomplishing goals, but as we begin to practice meditation we begin to free ourselves from constant conversation. By freeing ourselves from negative thoughts, and the never ending internal dialogue the focus of energy shifts from doing to being, we get back to balance, to the heart, to your true self.

Below I have added a couple simple meditations. Practicing, sitting as often as you can, for as long as you can, will help bring your attention back to your true path. Be patient with yourself.
Breathe. Simply be aware of your breathe. Focus on your nose, the nostrils in particular. Feel the cool air on in the in breath, then the warm air on the out breath.

• Take a deep breath, counting until four: 1,2,3,4
• Hold for 1,2,3,4
• Exhale counting until four:1,2,3,4
• Repeat

Be aware of your body and mind. If thoughts of the day seem to stay or creep in, it’s ok, don’t judge them, they are just thoughts. As quietly as they appeared, allow them to leave with the out breath. Try to sit for 5-10 minutes for the first session. Then as you begin to feel more comfortable and at ease, extend the duration of your sit.

Grounding Meditation is good for bringing you fully and consciously into the present moment, the here and now. It is especially helpful if you are undergoing lots of stress in your life, have undergone an especially difficult situation and are having a hard time clearing your mind and thoughts.

• Find a comfortable, undisturbed space and time for this sit
• Take a few deep breaths, as mentioned above.
• Now focus in on the soles of your feet, bringing all your attention to that body part
• Visualize two roots growing out of the soles for your feet working their way down into the earth.
• Allow the roots to grow and expand, branching off the deeper down into the earth they go.
• Feel yourself becoming more centered, calmer
• Keep visualizing the roots spreading and growing deeper down, passing through different layers of the Earth.
• Keep your attention at your feet and the roots growing from your feet downward into the Earth. Continue to do so until your feet feel heavy and firmly secure to the ground.
• Bring your attention back to the feet.
• When feel ready, bring your attention back to yourself and open your eyes, ending the sit.

Monika Marczuk : www.holisticenergy.ca