I write a lot about mindfulness. (See here, here and here.)
That’s because I think mindfulness is a valuable practice that perks up our lives. It helps us breathe in the beauty of everyday moments.
It provides us with perspective on life and teaches us to appreciate the things we rarely see (whether they’re as little as your morning cup of coffee or a flower blooming or as big as the sky or sunshine). And to witness the extraordinary in the ordinary.
It helps us release the tight grip so many of us hold on work, our partners, our kids and our lives. It helps us relax. It reminds us of the simple things in life that are actually the most powerful (family, friendships, nature, love).
The book Your True Home: The Everyday Wisdom of Thich Nhat Hanh, compiled and edited by Melvin McLeod, offers daily insights and instructions on paying attention and improving our lives.
Here are three nuggets of wisdom that may give you pause, provoke thought and change your perspective.
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No matter what mindfulness practices I study I find I always return to just… come back to the breath. I also teach it and other practices to my psychotherapy clients. For most, breath awareness is a natural place to start.
I also like Dan Siegel’s Wheel of Awarenesss, which begins with the breath and moves through many ways of being present – the senses, the body, thoughts, relationships, more.
Another new Perspective that I conducted in order to gain an true understanding of the beauty of life would be the concept of detachment.I feel that sometimes we as people may overlook and under look the little things that can make the day more special. For example looking out the window to acknowledge the sunshine or gazing up at the stars on a summer night. I believe that we have to detach ourselves from the established social network I.E Facebook, Twitter Etc… To truly understand the beauty that beholds us today.
-Ray Hill
Associates Of Psychology
I don’t understand how to get started in mindfulness. I have listen to CD’s but they bore me.I cant keep my focus because they are too long. Do you have any suggestions. I am poor and cant spend alot of money.
@ Terridear, you don’t need to buy anything to practice mindfulness. And if you don’t like meditation CDs, that’s totally fine.
The key is to pay attention to the present and just be open (not judging anything). So for instance, when you’re walking, you might pay attention to your surroundings, and take note of what you see, hear and smell. When you’re eating, instead of watching TV or surfing on the Web, you savor every bite. You pay attention the the smell, texture and taste of your food.
Thanks everyone else for your suggestions.
Hope that helps!