Meditation Information.... from Heart-Links.com

Wireless Meditation: Top Five Tips For Wherever-Whenever Mindfulness


The problem with meditation is attachment.

We get in the habit of needing our altar, favorite cushion, incense, CD, certain time of day, necessary length of time, or particular style of sitting. If we can't do it the "right" way, we tend to skip it altogether. We get so attached to the trappings that we get a little testy if we don't have everything just so.

This is funny when you think about it. In Buddhism, the core belief is that life is full of suffering, and this suffering is due to attachment. Isn't it ironic that we become so attached to the idea of meditation? Isn't it a bit absurd to think of followers of particular styles of meditation as obsessive about their own approach?

I find it hilarious. I also find it destructive.

I'm all for whatever works. If committing to a ritual is right for you, by all means, light that candle. If you must do some yoga exercises prior to sitting, go for it. If you need to go for a run before chanting, be my guest.

However, if you find that your concept of what you need in order to meditate is hindering instead of liberating you, it's time to take a look at what I refer to as "wireless" meditation.

The beautiful thing about going wireless--whether it's with phones, computers, or your own quest for mindfulness--is that you suddenly become unencumbered by extraneous connections. You can continue with your day. You can go anywhere. You are free.

Just as a wireless phone allows you to think of your workplace in a whole new way, mindfulness practice gives you the opportunity to bring attention to whatever you're doing.

Your connection to your mind and your heart is hooked up while you're taking a shower, washing the dishes, walking the dog, or tending your garden. You no longer see mindfulness as something you can do only if you're sitting in your family room before the kids get up.

For those who've given up on meditation, consider the freedom of mindfulness practice.

Here are five questions to ask yourself in order to stay connected anywhere, anytime:

* "What can I notice this minute?" Look around. What do you see? What colors pop? What kind of light fills your space? What do you smell? What do you hear? How does your body feel right now?

* "Where can I focus my attention this minute?" Choose something within you--a physical sensation, a thought, an emotion. Or, go outside your skin and shine all of your attention upon something around you. Spend one minute in full discovery mode.

* "What can I do to connect with this person?" If you're a parent and you're feeling a little burned out by your child's demands, stop thinking about how to fulfill a request and focus on how to fulfill a need. Can you give loving attention without giving a thing? Can you focus your full attention on your partner in the way most likely to make them feel cherished?

* "How can I bring more mindfulness to this task?" Whether you're filing, copying documents, folding laundry, or scrubbing the bathtub, you can focus intently and intensely upon your particular task. Take note of the textures. Pay attention to edges, creases, folds, warmth, texture, and color. Focus on the muscles you're using in each step of the process. Feel the bending, flexing, and stretching your body must do to perform each movement.

* "How can I find more meaning in this moment?" In every moment, we have the opportunity to connect to what matters most. We can choose to find a reason to feel grateful, content, secure, uplifted, and cared for.

By paying attention, we can find value in the simplest tasks and the greatest challenges. Going wireless means you can choose to connect whenever you like. Find ways to tap into mindfulness without becoming attached to meditation.

Use your wherever-whenever minutes--and get more.

Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse in Portland, Oregon. Through her company, Real-World Mindfulness Training, she teaches fun and effective eyes-wide-open alternatives to meditation. To subscribe to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, please visit http://www.MassageYourMind.com


MORE RESOURCES:

PsychCentral.com

Study Shows Transcendental Meditation's Promise for Kids with ADHD
Los Angeles Times, CA - Jan 6, 2009
And unlike other forms of meditation, which require levels of concentration that are difficult for most with ADHD, the students in the Washington, ...
ADHD Study: Meditation Relieves Anxiety in Children ADDitude
Meditation seen promising as ADHD therapy Reuters UK
all 15 news articles


Meditation retreat planned for eastern WVa
Daily Press, VA - 4 hours ago
... of West Virginia's Coolfont Resort has a new project: Randal Ashelman will oversee construction of an adults-only retreat for transcendental meditation. ...


Health Minute: Meditation Benefits
WDEF News 12, TN - Jan 6, 2009
As Judy Fortin tells us in today's Health Minute, more and more doctors are recommending meditation. Close your eyes and bring your attention inward. ...


Wednesday Meditation: 'Diameter of the Bomb'
Express from The Washington Post, DC - 4 hours ago
AS THE RHETORIC on both sides becomes deafening, it's easy to forget that innocent Israelis and Palestinians, Jews and Arabs are dying in Gaza and Israel. ...


Meditation Great For Stress Reduction
ToTheCenter.com, NY - Jan 5, 2009
by Jessica Trusiani Increasing studies suggest meditation is a great way to reduce stress, according to Dr. Charles Raison who is CNNhealth's mental health ...
For stress reduction, just say ommm CNN International
all 5 news articles


Retreat focuses on daily meditation practice
Lake County News, CA - Jan 5, 2009
17, the center's guided day retreat on “Entering the Heart” will provide deeper insight into how to have a deeper meditation practice. ...


A Moving Form Of Meditation For the Mature
Jakarta Globe, Indonesia - 10 hours ago
Practitioners say tai chi chih, often described as a “moving meditation,’’ helps improve balance, decrease stress and increase energy. ...


Examiner.com

Want to see God move in your life?
Examiner.com - 8 hours ago
In the early morning, we find Christ in prayer and meditation. Late at night, after a long day of ministry, we once again find Jesus in meditation and ...


Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley Serves Western ...
PR Web (press release), WA - Jan 5, 2009
The Insight Meditation Center of Pioneer Valley announces its classes, retreats and special events for the first half of 2009. ...


Study finds Transcendental Meditation helps treat ADHD
IndiaPost.com, CA - Jan 4, 2009
NEW YORK: Transcendental Meditation technique may be an effective and safe non-pharmaceutical aid for treating Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ...

Meditation - Google News

home | site map | Heart-Links.com Site | Start Your Online Business for Just $8.95
© 2006