Mind Your Mindfulness!

“Mindfulness” is a spiritual concept that has been thrown around a lot these days, but how many of us truly know what it really means? Let’s take a closer look.

Mindfulness basically refers to being fully aware, moment-to-moment, of our subjective conscious experience. But if we look at the components of the word itself, it might actually mean “making our mind full.” This in itself is a strange idea: because it is believed that most of us use only a portion of our mental power, how can we possibly employ it to its full potential?

To be mindful begins with becoming more aware of ourselves, our bodies, our surroundings. One of the reasons it is so difficult to grasp in our modern world is that we’re bombarded with sensory input. Think about the last time you went to the grocery store, or the mall. It’s difficult to concentrate, and that’s on top of all the incoming information on our smart phones and tablets!

Mindfulness is the aware, balanced acceptance of the present experience. It isn’t more complicated than that. It is opening to or receiving the present moment, pleasant or unpleasant, just as it is, without either clinging to it or rejecting it ~ Sylvia Boorstein

Mindfulness should not be confused with simply “doing nothing” or “thinking of nothing.” When we start taking time to fully engage, it’s best to begin with the simplest thing of all: our breath. Without it, we would die, and yet it’s something most of us take for granted. When was the last time you truly breathed?

A good way to begin mindfulness training is by deeply inhaling, exhaling, and counting each time. Really feel your breath, the way it expands your lungs. Our brain functions best when it has optimal levels of oxygen. If you like, a personal mantra can be repeated during this exercise.

Because so many of us lead busy lives, it’s important to schedule times for mindfulness exercises. The beginning or end of the day is an ideal time, as it will put you in the right frame of mind to start the day, or to get a good night’s sleep. Make sure to turn off all electronic devices and find a quiet, serene place. Instrumental music or a favorite aroma, such as scented candles, can also be used. The most important thing to remember is, there is no right or wrong way. The goal is to be fully aware of one’s surroundings and be present in the moment, and alert.

The first few times you really start to practice mindfulness, you may find your mind wandering, or you may become frustrated. That’s perfectly all right. Mindfulness is about developing parts of your brain you may not always use, and like any exercise program, it takes time to build up strength.

There’s only one reason why you’re not experiencing bliss at this present moment, and it’s because you’re thinking or focusing on what you don’t have…. But, right now you have everything you need to be in bliss ~ Anthony de Mello

Throughout your day, take several mini-breaks to slow down and fully be engaged in the moment. What input are you receiving from your five senses, as well as your sixth sense? When you are eating or drinking, take time to savor each mouthful. In western culture, we are taught from an early age that speed is everything. If we are truly mindful, we learn to enjoy, not just hurry up.

The more we practice true mindfulness, the more our psychic energies will grow. Think of opening your mind fully as a flower opening itself up to the power of sunlight. The more exposure it gets, the more strong and healthy it becomes. Mindfulness is essential to developing your spiritual self.