MINDFULNESS

As I have mentioned in previous blogs; part of being healthy is taking time to take care of ourselves.  Meditation is a great way to destress and to get balanced.

In eastern monasteries, the monks and nuns spend much of their time carrying out menial tasks like raking the paths.  How do they meditate then?  In fact, any activity can be used to meditate by being "mindful."  For me, my most meditative state is when I play the piano.  There are other ways to find that focus and balance to get you centered again.

Attention:

Meditation doesn't always mean sitting still with your eyes closed.  Whatever you are doing, whether it is eating, working on the computer; or washing the automobile, do it with your undivided attention.  This practice is called "mindfulness."  It sounds much easier than it is.  See how long you can hold your attention before your thoughts wander.  Mindfulness helps you to be fully present in every moment of the day, without regrets about the past or anxiety for the future.  It is a way of bringing meditation into every day chores.

Walking Meditation:

1)  walk slowly, keeping your body relaxed and your eyes open.  Turn your attention to the actions of your body rather than just your breath.
2)  Be fully conscious of every move you make.  Be aware of lifing one foot and putting it in front of the other, as well as your breathing.
3)  Feel how your arms are moving.  Being conscious of your body as it propels you forward, the blood flowing carrying oxygen to your muscles.
4)  Concentrate wholly on the present moment, performing every action with your whole attention.  You can try this out at intervals during the day.