Mindfulness Meditation

Mindfulness Meditation is a mental discipline by which one attempts to move further than the conditioned, "thinking" mind into a deeper circumstances of respite or understanding. Mindfulness Meditation repeatedly requires turning interest to a particular site of reference. It is established as a element of almost all religions, and has been practiced for over 5,000 years. Mindfulness Meditation is also experienced beyond religious traditions. Dissimilar contemplative disciplines take in a large range of religious and/or psychophysical practices which may give emphasis to different goals -- from achievement of a higher state of consciousness, to greater focus, creativeness or self-awareness, or just a more relaxed and relaxing frame of mind. The expression meditation firstly arrives from the Indo-European root med-, meaning "to measure." On or after the root med- are also consequent the English words mete, medicine, modest, and moderate. It entered English as mindfulness meditation through the Latin meditatio, which initially indicated every variety of physical or intellectual exercise, then later progressed into the more particular meaning "contemplation."

Mindfulness meditation is a skill in which a human being becomes intentionally concerned of their belief and proceedings in the present instant, non-judgmentally. It plays a significant role in Buddhism, with Right Mindfulness meditation being the seventh aspect of the Noble 8 fold Path, the sadhana of which is held in the custom to engender 'insight' and 'wisdom' .

Mindfulness meditation points to: Being aware of and paying attention to the now in which we find ourselves. Our past is gone, our future is not yet here. So what exist between them is the present moment. If I can observe and not get caught up in my thoughts, it is all that I have. The here and now, the present-day is the linkage which holds what was and what will be. My past was a succession of existing moments which contributed me to this current moment. My future should it take place will be a succession of present moments effected by only present moment in which I am now living, being, doing, observing, being aware or unaware, and attentive or unattentive.

Right Mindfulness meditation involves bringing one's awareness back into the present moment. By residing more frequently in the present moment, practitioners begin to see both inner and outer aspects of reality. Inner reality may unfold as one sees that the mind is continually chattering with commentary or judgment. By noticing that the mind is continually making commentary, one has the ability to carefully notice those thoughts, and then decide if those thoughts have value. Those practicing Mindfulness meditation realize that "thoughts are just thoughts"; the thoughts themselves have little or no weight. One is free to release a thought ("let it go") when one realizes that the thought may not be concrete reality or absolute truth. Thus, one is free to observe life without getting caught in the commentary. Many "voices" or messages may speak to one within the "vocal" mind. It is important to be aware that the messages one hears during "thinking" may not be accurate or helpful, but rather may be translations of, or departures from truth.

However, Mindfulness meditation does not have to be constrained to a formal meditation session. Mindfulness meditation is an endeavor that can be completed at any time; it does not involve sitting, or even concentrating on the breath, but more exactly is done by bringing the intellect to focus on what is happening in the present moment, while simply noticing the mind's usual "commentary". One can be mindful of the sensations in one's feet while walking, of the sound of the wind in the trees, or the feeling of soapy water while doing dishes. One can also be mindful of the mind's commentary: "I wish I didn't have to walk any further, I like the sound of the leaves rustling, I wish washing dishes wasn't so boring and the soap wasn't drying out my skin", etc. Once we have noticed the mind's running commentary, we have the autonomy to discharge those judgments: "washing dishes: boring" may become "The warm water is in unison with the detergent and is currently washing away the plates grime, the sun is shining through the window and casting an yet bigger shadow on the dish's white ceramics.". In this example, one may see that cleaning does not have to be judged "boring"; washing dishes is only a process of coordinating dishes with soap and water. Any activity done mindfully is a form of meditation, and Mindfulness meditation is possible practically all the time.

As one more directly observes inside reality, one finds that happiness is not solely a quality produced about by a change in external status, but rather by realizing happiness habitually begins with loosening and releasing attachment to judgment, pre-dispositions, and "scripts"; thereby releasing "automatic" tendencies in the direction of enjoyable and unlikable conditions or feelings.