The first in this mindfulness series aims to dispel a few common misconceptions about meditation and mindfulness.
I believe we're living in a time of information over-load. We seem to be constantly bombarded by images, sounds, adverts, and people trying to get our attention, and it's working - but many of us are, as a result, feeling over-whelmed, exhausted and less focussed on the things that really matter the most to us.
We seem to be so busy these days, always on the go and often attempting to do more than one thing at a time. This may result in us not completing tasks to our best ability, or losing focus and taking longer than we'd like to get back on track. Sometimes we may struggle to recall doing something, or lose the thread of a conversation. We might lose our place in a book, or have to re-read sections over again, or perhaps struggle to recall the journey we just took, because our attention was elsewhere. Does any of this resonate with you? I know it has, and continues to do with me, although I'm becoming more aware of it now.
Mindfulness gives us the opportunity to choose what to focus our awareness and attention on, to notice when it wanders, and to invite it back. It also helps us to become more intentional with the way we live our lives, including the content we allow into our awareness. Even something as quick and simple as taking one single purposeful deep breath can help give us a moment of quiet and stillness in our busy daily lives.
Misconception 1
Q - If mindfulness is the practice of being more present in the moment, then surely this is something we are all doing all day every day?
A - It seems not, in fact many of us are actually only focusing on the present moment for about 50% of the time.
Misconception 2
Q - I'm too busy to meditate
A - Mindfulness is not solely based around meditative practices but it aims to improve our engagement with the present moment during our activities of daily life. We can practice it not just during seated meditations, but also whilst doing every-day tasks like eating, drinking, washing up, cooking, walking and even whilst doing things such as Pilates and Yoga.
Questions and answers about mindfulness and meditation
Here are a few common reasons why people might not start practising mindfulness, or sadly give up on it before they've realised the impact it could have:-
Q - I can’t sit cross-legged and bolt upright on the floor, so it’s not for me.
A- Thankfully, comfort is key and many of the mindfulness meditations can be done seated in a chair, or even lying down - especially during those designed to encourage a deep and peaceful nights sleep afterwards.
Q - I can’t clear my mind, I’m always thinking of my to do list or trying to solve the problems that are going on right now.
A - Mindfulness for our busy modern lives is not about having to clear our mind, or push thoughts and feelings away, but rather to notice our thoughts, acknowledge them and peacefully let them go.
Q - I don’t have time for mindfulness meditation.
A - Luckily, it doesn't need to take very long and in fact, some the meditations I teach only take between two and ten minutes. Mindfulness is also something we can practice during the activities we're already doing – simply practising being present in the moment, which doesn’t take us any extra time in our busy lives.
Q - I think I’m doing it wrong - my mind kept wandering and I zoned out for half of it.
A - There is no right or wrong way to practice – taking the time and doing the practice is the practice!
Q - I don’t like the idea of just acceptance - it feels defeatist, like giving up, but I want to feel in control.
A - Mindfulness is not about feeling powerless or weak, but by accepting 'what is' we can reduce the resistance to our reality, whilst focusing more clearly on our responses and reactions to it, helping to put us back into the driving seat of our own lives.
I’m so excited to now be a qualified mindfulness teacher, and I’ve really enjoyed my training over the past couple of months. I’ll be offering some new mindfulness courses and a membership club soon.
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