I just came across this video and I think its the best short introduction to meditation I’ve ever come across. Also, it’s aesthetically beautiful so that’s a bonus for sure.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is ‘living the moment’. It means no worrying about the past nor future, just being in the present.
Why mindfulness?
We often find ourselves so stressed about the future (near or far future) and/or about the past (near or far past). In order to have less of that, being present in the moment allows the mind to practice ‘being in the now’.
Some benefits of mindfulness
- More calmness
- Less stress
- Less worry
- Less anxiety
- More joy
- More confidence
- More creativity
- Less self criticism
How to achieve mindfulness
We can practice mindfulness by being fully involved in what we’re doing in the present. In a sense, we allow ourselves to be less distracted by neither external distractions nor distracting inner thoughts.
Why ‘breath meditation’?
I’ve personally tried ‘guided meditations’, they’re not my favorite. However, I’ve found I enjoy ‘deep breath meditation’. I like it cause I can practice it anywhere from a few moments to several minutes and anytime whether I’m sitting solo, working or even presenting. Practicing taking deep breath slows down our minds and, in no time, our thoughts.
Books
Many books and resources have shaped my approach to mindfulness, these are some of the most powerful. I may do some bullet-point-summaries of them soon, stay tuned.
- Focus: A simplicity manifesto in the Age of Distraction
- The Power of Now
Some mindfulness practices I like:
- Prayer
- Journalling
- Deep Breath practice
- Yoga
- Exercise (in general)
- Spending time in nature (device-free)
- Baking or cooking
- Coloring or painting
- Pottery (I really want to go again soon!)
Apps for guided meditation and breath mediation:
- Breathe (my current choice)
- Headspace
- Calm
- Insight timer
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