The term sounds easy enough to comprehend, but there is a much deeper meaning. Terms like mindfulness and loving-kindness seem obvious, but you have to understand them before you can implement them, into your daily life.
This reminds me of a conversation I, recently, had with a friend. He was reading the personal ads, in the singles section, and came across another term: ?consciously aware.? He was grasping to understand why so many women had listed this as a prerequisite to any kind of relationship, with a male companion.
When he mentioned this to me, and I could see the puzzlement all over his face, I couldn?t suppress a smile. I asked him, ?Are you a good listener?? Now, he was completely ?thrown off the track.?
So, I explained that women, who had been exposed to men, who didn?t listen, had written these advertisements. Living in the moment, and being consciously aware, are components of mindfulness.
Therefore, let?s take an in-depth look at the meaning of mindfulness. Staying in the present moment is, probably, the hardest part, for most of us. We spend so much time thinking about the past and future, that there is little time to see life, as it is.
Imagine, what would happen, if you drove a car like that. Looking over your shoulder, and blocks ahead, most of the time, would get you into an accident. Due to the fact, you were not aware of what is right in front of you. So what do you do?
Let?s take the first step together today. Firstly, make a commitment to create the daily habit of mindfulness. After that, start to listen to the world around you and the world within you. The universe is outside, and within, at the same time. This is proven by the fact that the universe is infinitely vast and infinitely small.
Now, back to listening to yourself. Make it a point to notice how often you are nervous, tense, or distracted, and learn to focus on your breath. Breath awareness will calm your inner being, and you can do it anytime. If you want to learn more about breathing for your overall health, you should attend a workshop or a Yoga class.
Learn to be silent and learn to speak up at the ?right time.? When is there a right time to speak? Learn to relax before talking. Never speak to inflame a conflict, but do not become silent when you can resolve a conflict. Never be afraid to compromise, and find common ground, with a perceived opponent.
Always remember: The solutions to your problems are all within your own mind.
Paul Jerard is a co-owner and the director of Yoga teacher training at: Aura Wellness Center, in North Providence, RI. He has been a certified Master Yoga teacher since 1995. He is a master instructor of martial arts, with multiple Black Belts, four martial arts teaching credentials, and was recently inducted into the USA Martial Arts Hall of Fame. He teaches Yoga, martial arts, and fitness to children, adults, and seniors in the greater Providence area. Recently he wrote: Is Running a Yoga Business Right for You? For Yoga students, who may be considering a new career as a Yoga teacher. http://www.yoga-teacher-training.org/index.html | |
