The Blessing of Mindfulness
With an eye made quiet by the power of
harmony and the deep power of
joy we see into the heart of things
~ William Wordsworth
Mindfulness is about embracing reality and living fully in the present moment. The value of mindfulness is a universal theme found in all Eastern and Western wisdom traditions. It is a tool used to raise our level of awareness and open our minds to behold the world as it really is. Mindfulness gives rise to insights which blossom into wisdom. The more deeply and clearly we are able to observe the reality of our minds and bodies, the more able we are to understand how and why things are as they are. As mindfulness grows, we discover the most exquisitely wonderful things about the world around us.
The benefits of mindfulness:
1. Improved focus and concentration.
2. Enhances the quality of our lives.
3. Heightened clarity.
4. Deeper peace of mind.
5. Mastery of Stress.
6. Awakens our hearts and souls.
7. Strengthened faith and self confidence.
A few of the practices of mindfulness are:
1. Mindful breathing. The technique is very simple. As you inhale, know you're breathing in...As you exhale know you're breathing out. The Buddhist Monk Thich Nhat Hanh or Thay as he is called by his supporters, uses a breathing method he calls "Arriving, Home". As you breath in mentally say to yourself "Arriving", as you exhale mentally say to yourself, "Home."
2. Mindfulness of your body. Right now as you are sitting, become aware of your posture. Notice the sensations of your hands as they slide across the keyboard while reading this blog, your legs as they touch the chair. Is there tension in your shoulderblades? Acknowledge the tension...allow it to be...do not try to push the tension away. Mindfulness can not be acquired by force.
The practice of mindfulness can be brought into every area of your life. Cultivating mindfulness will allow you to be more fully present in your life.
FREE 6 week Session
MINDFULNESS MEDITATION
“Mindfulness is about embracing reality and the present moment”
Join us beginning September 1
St. Johns Baptist Church - 300 Hawthorne Lane, Charlotte, NC
Wednesdays 6:45p.m.-7:30p.m.
LASATER HALL
Come dressed in comfortable clothing, with no expectations and an open mind.
(you can bring a mat or cushion to sit on)
