The Power of Mindfulness
Recently, when doing an Ayurvedic Wellness Consultation my client had an “aha moment.” She summarized what she had connected to, saying, “The most important thing for me now is to concentrate on the practices that help me focus my mind.” Mindfulness is about experiencing the moment fully, whatever that moment offers us. It is witnessing what is present without reacting. With mindfulness we watch our inner commentary without getting pulled by it. The great Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hahn said, “Feelings come and feeling go, like clouds in a windy sky. Conscious breathing is my anchor.”
In my 26 years of teaching, I cannot tell you how many times I have heard a student say, “I cannot meditate because I cannot keep my mind clear.” Mindfulness Meditation gives us the tools to observe the fluctuations of the mind (citta vritti) and create focus. Anyone can practice mindfulness, anywhere. You can practice it for a few moments or throughout your entire day. It is a way to engage in the moment with non-judgement.
Ayus, one of two root words for Ayurveda, means life. That word, life, is broken into four categories, body, mind, soul and senses. These four aspects of life are interconnected and affect each other. One of the common causes of disease is overusing your senses. Mindfulness helps you to practice pratyahara, withdrawing your senses for the external world into the internal one. It is a respite for the senses. It helps to train the monkey mind so it can focus. As you quiet down the body and senses, your mind begins to slow down, and your nervous system settles. This is a balm for your soul. Effects of Mindfulness Meditation have been studied in modern science and prove that is it a great tool for lowering stress and improving immunity.
Simple Mindfulness Meditation
Sit comfortably and close your eyes. Connect with your breath. Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale slowly out through your nose. Focus on the tip of your nose where your breath enters and leaves. This tip of your nose is your focal point. Notice the sensation of your breath coming in and out through there. When your mind wanders, notice the thought and label it without judgement. For example, “future thinking”, “worrying”, “regret”, etc. Then, let that thought go and come back to your focal point. Try this for a few minutes. When you are done, notice sensation in your body and notice how you feel.