Tending to your feeling of mindfulness is the most crucial step of self-actualization. Through meditating in a neutral sitting position, we can practice this mindful presence within us. Buddhist tradition teaches us that there are various meditations that are each meant to incite a different state of consciousness. A lot of them are usually perceived as trying to change some part of us through the meditation process, and yet mindfulness meditation is meant to create the exact opposite effect on us.
First of all: Acceptance
Through this type of meditation, we try to be mindful of us, our personal and outward actions and try to acknowledge and embrace ourselves, instead of trying to figure out a step to seek to change something within us. It is kind of counter-intuitive at first that a meditation that’s trying to better ourselves uses a technique that teaches the opposite. But in the end, acknowledging one’s emotions and struggles is the most important step at self-healing and self-acceptance. We all must experience this level, because as with all meditative levels, the first level is as important as the last.
The process of achieving full mindfulness
This type of meditation is practised by accepting one's thoughts, and state of mind, which have distracted us away from the focus on breathing. Many different techniques and methods differ very slightly from each other, but in general, all of them are trying to accomplish the same goal in the end.
We start the meditation with our eyes closed, in some techniques fully, while in others they can be slightly opened and focused on the floor in front of us.
Sit comfortably. You can sit cross-legged position on a soft and non-distracting surface, or on a chair with both feet on the floor, you can put an item blow if you are short like me, the aim is to keep our feet from dangling. Whatever the case, the back is always standing straight.
Focus your attention on the movement of your abdomen, while we control the pace of our breath. In some techniques, it is taught to inhale and exhale only through the nose, while in other techniques to inhale from the nose, and exhale through the mouth. You can use whichever method you prefer. The goal of this meditation is to try and keep our mind on our breath and body language. Whenever we become distracted from our breath, passively notice the wandering of the mind and accept the fact that we have drifted from reality. With this teaching, one agreed to the reality of what has happened, with an accepting and non-judgmental state of mind, and gently return our attention back to our breath and body.
How long should I meditate for?
The mindfulness meditation usually lasts around a short 10-minute mark, especially for people who are new to meditating. As you practice it regularly and more determined, the technique becomes much easier to grasp and control. Eventually, one should stop focusing solely on their breathing, and extend their focus into the awareness of one’s thoughts and feelings. Mastering the mindfulness meditation is the next important step for self-improving one’s life.
If you need help to start meditating, I suggest you start with guided meditations, you get the same benefits and you’ll learn how to feel more grounded an in touch with yourself rather than feeling lost trying to quiet your mind. I know that time is an issue for most of us but you’ll find time to this because you’ll experience the benefits almost immediately, feeling more relaxed and in tune with yourself.