Mindfulness is the state of active, open attention to the present, observing one's thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad. It is being intensely focused on being aware of what you’re sensing and feeling in the moment without interpretation or judgment. This can be done through breathing methods, guided imagery and other practices that relax the body, mind and help reduce stress.
Purpose of mindfulness:
Cultivate perspective on one’s consciousness identifying that can bring greater peace and rationality
Reduce anxiety, stress, pain, and depression
Become more relaxed
Restore emotional balance
Improve concentration
Increase resilience
Examples of mindfulness:
Pay attention - take time to experience your environment with all senses
Live in the moment - internally bring an open, accepting, discerning attention to
everything you do
Accept yourself - treat yourself the way you would treat a good friend
Focus on your breathing - When you have negative thoughts, sit down, take a deep
breath and close your eyes. Focus on your breath as it moves in and out of your body
Body scan meditation - focus on each part of your body, in order, from head to toe
Sitting meditation - sit comfortably with back straight, feet on the floor, focus on
breath moving in and out of your body
Walking meditation - 10-20 ft - walk slowly, focus on the experience of walking, be aware
of subtle movements
Gratitude list
Candle study exercise - light a candle, sit comfortably and watch the flame sway/flicker
Tea drinking exercise - draw your attention to the sensations, smells or sounds you observe while enjoying your beverage
For Kids: Wiggle and Freeze game, Five sense scavenger hunt, Dragon breathing,
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