Mindfulness is the new black

Mindfulness is the new black and you too can wear it.

It seems to be the latest fad, this talk of being mindful. To eat mindfully, to walk mindfully, to practice mindful meditation.

It is not, however, a new idea.

Mindfulness has been practised by many spiritual and philosophical traditions for thousands of years and in fact is experienced by many of us without even knowing that is what we are experiencing.

Mindfulness is the sensation of single-pointed focus in the mind. A cessation of the fluctuations in the mind ... a quietening of the busy mind.

It can be experienced spontaneously, when we stare into the flames of a fire and simply notice few thoughts or when we work on some craft or hobby with intense concentration, forgetting all our worries.

There are techniques also, which allow you to improve and increase your ability to be mindful. These involve practising holding your attention on one sensation, perhaps the breath, a repeated phrase or mantra, or an image and can be learned from a teacher, online or through books.

The initial benefit is a calming of the nervous system, which you will often notice directly after the practice. Over time one finds there is a constant feeling of equanimity or balance in the mind and emotions; everyday ups and downs are less of a bumpy ride.

The mistake that is often made about learning a meditation technique is that one needs to purposely quieten the mind. This is not directly possible. The mind has a mind of its own! The best we can do is focus the mind. With concentration, the rapidity and variety of thoughts and feelings will settle down of their own accord.

The worst excuse for not giving meditation a go is ''My mind is too busy to be a meditator''. This is the very reason one can benefit from learning mindfulness meditation techniques.

It's a bit like saying, ''I'm too thirsty to drink water'' or ''I'm too stiff to do yoga''.

So if you have difficulty sleeping, feel overwhelmed by stress, want to enhance your wellness or are just curious, pop down to your local library, do an internet search, visit your local yoga centre or community centre and check local noticeboards.

Learn how to cultivate a quiet mind, calm your nervous system, cope with life's stresses and ultimately feel contented and happy.

TRY THIS

Sit in a straight chair or lie down on the floor in a quiet place where you will not be interrupted. (Both these positions should allow for lengthening in the spine, meaning breathing will not be restricted by slumped posture).

Close your eyes and bring your attention to your breath, wherever you feel it most; this might be as a movement in the belly or chest or as a sensation at the nostrils.

Don't try to change the breath, just observe the breath as it comes in and out of the body.

Hold your attention on your breath and count 10 rounds.

If you become distracted, just return your attention to the breath and continue counting.

When you reach 10, just keep the eyes closed a few more moments and observe how you feel.

- Gemma Carroll is a Dunedin yoga teacher and massage therapist. www.akashawell.com

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