With technology advancing at such a quick pace over the last 20 years, the world we live in has become a very busy place. As a result, our lives and our minds have become very busy, making it difficult to focus or concentrate. We attempt to multitask, but that is impossible, causing us to be more stressed than productive.
We all have an inner dialogue that occurs when we think a thought pops into our mind, and we decide to continue to attach problems to that thought instead of letting it go. These internal conversations can cause us to be too focused on the future, which creates anxiety, or too focused on the past, which creates depression, or both.
The basic process of mindfulness involves setting an intention of what you pay attention to and returning your attention to this when you notice your mind has wandered. It is completely normal for thoughts to wander but when this happens, we lose focus of what we are doing. For example when driving we might be thinking about our grocery store list, or a recent argument with a friend and because we are lost in thought we miss our turn or exit and have to turn around.
Mindfulness is not about having no thoughts but noticing when you are not paying attention to what you have chosen to pay attention to, accept that your mind has wandered and do not judge yourself or the thought and then return to what you are supposed to be paying attention to.
You want to spend some quiet time with your mind, but you have excuses. Take a moment to examine them. They might not be such a big deal.
Sure, but it also happens to be a big relief to have some time when your obligated to be somebody or do something.
It’s just fine to fidget. Meditation is a process that develops over time. No one starts out sitting like a rock statue.
Time crunches are stressing us all out these days. But taking a pause from the rush-rush-rush may just help you use your time better.
You’re not alone in that. Our culture has devalued taking time for solitude. It hasn’t always been that way. And it’s not as scary as you think!
So, let it go fast. If you sit there awhile it will slow down and speed up again. You don’t need to try to find an ideal rate for your mind.
We can easily find excuses about why we can’t meditate, but it turns out its just as easy to find lots of reasons to do it.
Mental pain and anxiety are background noise that can underlie much of what we do. Here’s a chance to see firsthand what’s causing it.
There’s alot of evidence these days that excess stress can causes illnesses or make existing illnesses worse. Mindfulness decreases stress.
Ever find yourself staring blankly at a friend, loved one, or child and you have no idea what they are saying? Mindfulness helps you stay focused.
It can be frustrating to have our mind stray off what we are doing and be pulled in six different directions. Meditation hones our innate ability to focus.
The nattering, chattering voice in our head seems never to leave us alone. Isn’t it time we gave it a little break?
Sit with us and experience how being part of a meditation community can bring more joy to you life. End each week with Meditation Day! Meditation for Everyday Life will be the focus as Kristy guides you through a short discussion and a breath-focused meditation session.
