Practicing Mindfulness for the Times
It is undoubtedly an unprecedented time in our world where the act of consciously focusing your thoughts in the current moment can be uncomfortable and elicit a whole range of emotions. We must be careful to preserve our judgement and seek no attachment to the moment, but process what comes from us so we can begin to heal. Becoming more aware of what is going on for us internally and externally helps us to progress our discernment and regulate our emotions. As well, developing more presence in our lives and in relation to others, mindfulness helps support more informed decision making so we can be more fully engaged in life.
The benefits of mindfulness are endless. Practicing in all forms advises our neurological pathways and is tied not only to vigor of mental health and stability but towards physical and spiritual health as well. We become more apt in practices that heal our psyche which leads to more positivity in the things we can control and acceptance to the things we cannot. It becomes a domino effect that guides us to more healthy and purposeful habits, so that almost everything else becomes aligned… we recover faster, we breath deeper, we make more effort, and we are more open towards receiving goodness despite circumstances.
Mindfulness also helps us support others when we feel powerless or fearful in active engagement. Especially during this time, when asked, “how can I help,” sending someone in need spirited and focused energy is just the beginning of what you can do for them. Intention is powerful and can elicit dynamic and immense movement.
Recommended Practice
Find a comfortable position that allows your back to be supported and seat to be grounded, using a blanket or cushion under your base helps. Rest the backs of your hands gently on your thighs so they are facing upright, fingers naturally curled inward to the palms. Relax your shoulders down your back and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths filling up the chest and belly on the inhale and releasing through the lower back on the exhale. As you find yourself deepening your breath, acknowledge anything that comes up for you. See it in your mind’s eye. Think about how it makes you feel. What are those feelings? Breathe into those feelings. Ruminate with them. Without considering a fixed amount of time, sit with your feelings. Hold space with them. Continue to breathe into them and remain present. If the feelings fluctuate, accept them, and recognize the emotion and energetic pulse of them in the moment. When you are ready, and remember, time is not fixed here, slowly start to come back to your breath. Let the breath be the guide that tells you when to open your eyes and wiggles your fingers. Move… only when you are ready, now more aware, and more informed. Namaste.
Virtual Kula with Taquice Campbell | Sunday, April 25th at 5:30pm | Join Taquice for a conversation about practicing mindfulness for these times, teaching yoga, and more. Sign up under the classes tab.
