Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation
Pages

Introduction

Guided Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation

Transcendental Meditation

Prayerful Meditation

Transformational Meditation

Sources
The practice of mindfulness meditation requires the person performing this type of meditation to be fully conscious of his or her surroundings while simply observing thoughts without making judgments about them and then moving on. The goal of mindfulness meditation is not to go into a trance, but rather to remain fully mindful. The person tries to train his or her mind not to wander through thoughts but rather to remain peacefully conscious without struggling through thoughts. Mindfulness meditation stemmed from the Buddhist tradition of vipassana, which originated over 2,500 years ago. This practice begins with the person concentrating on his or her breathing and posture. After focusing intently on these things, the person then expands concentration to the thoughts. However, the person does not try to repress or encourage these thoughts, they merely observe the thoughts and then move to the next. Mindfulness meditation can be divided into two groups, formal mindfulness meditation and informal mindfulness meditation. Formal mindfulness meditation involves routine sessions in which the participant uses a physical approach to mindfulness meditation (concentrates on posture). Tai Chi and Yoga are forms of mindfulness meditation. Informal mindfulness meditation involves incorporating mindful approaches to moments of everyday life. A person takes a simple situation and merely observes it without promoting thoughts in a particular direction. The advantages of practicing mindfulness meditation can be very rewarding. People who regularly practice mindfulness meditation tend to develop a more positive relationship with their bodies. They change their habits to improve their health and well-being.

Techniques

An individual practicing mindfulness meditation does not need to go into the subconscious, but merely observes their surroundings without making judgments. The individual must take an event or a moment, such as filling a cup of coffee or washing the dishes and focus on the task without forming opinions. This helps the individual to open the mind. The individual tries to understand the situation before creating a judgment. Other ways to perform mindfulness meditation include various postures that the individual may execute to help focus the mind, such as yoga and Tai Chi.