Description
Most of us operate on auto-pilot much of the time, passing through the present moment with our mind caught up in the past or straining toward the future. We forget that it is only in the present moment that we are able to effect change. Through mindfulness meditation, an ancient Buddhist practice, you can learn to intentionally pay attention to your daily experience.
When we are not being mindful, we miss out on large swathes of our life. We miss the small, valuable moments-be it a beautiful building that we pass on our journey to work, the taste and texture of lovingly prepared food, or the fact that we are needed by those we love the most. By being "mindless" we miss opportunities for personal growth by not being aware of our own shortcomings or inner strength. In mindfulness meditation we pay attention to our ongoing experience whether it is pleasant such as appreciating the night sky; unpleasant a disagreement with a loved one; or neutral-doing daily chores. We become aware of our habitual thoughts and behaviors and discover which are helpful and which are not. We learn to listen to the body and pick up warning signs of stress and illness as well as tune in to our inner wisdom and strength.
