Mindfulness: What Is It? (Even if you dont know please post so we can help grow the forums accordingly)

[blondguy]

Hi Everybody

This is only the basic dictionary definition...

"Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment without judgement"

• Please be as blunt you wish....If you dont have an idea about mindfulness it would be great if you could let us know
• If mindfulness hasnt worked/or is too broad a concept for you it would great if you can let us know your thoughts too
• If mindfulness has helped you, please help others to help themselves by posting how you have embraced this mindset

It goes without saying that the forums are a judgement free zone and I really hope that everyone can jump in and have their say

Your input is highly valued no matter how you respond to this topic. There are no experts here...New Posters are Most Welcome!!

My Kindest Thoughts

Paul

[smallwolf]

Hi Eagle,

I just wanted to say that I mostly agree with what you’re saying. I phrase it that way because I’m currently in a bit of a negative space. (You can find my post in the anxiety section—I have a biopsy this Thursday. It’s something I always figured might happen at some point in my life, just not now.)

I’m writing this to share that mindfulness and acceptance can sometimes feel incredibly hard or even impossible. But that doesn’t mean it doesn’t work—it’s just a reminder that these challenges are part of life itself.

And to you...  keep on keeping on 🙂

[Eagle Ray]

Hey smallwolf,

I just replied to you in your other post. I agree that mindfulness can be challenging in certain situations and upcoming biopsies can certainly create such challenges. I think just go gently, be kind to yourself and accept that it’s challenging to accept, if that makes sense? I will be thinking of you and we are here to support and listen anytime.

Take good care,

ER

[smallwolf]

Thanks ER... 🙂

Using this (my) situation as a example scenario... the result of a mindfulness exercise can be to recognize and accept any anxiety, fear, or worry without judgment.

So I tell yourself, “It’s okay to feel this way. This is a normal reaction.”

My anxiety is the unknowing of what will happen, which are obviously things outside of my control as well.

Tomorrow, I can a visualisation exercise and post procedure, being kind to myself and gratitude (as per what you were talking about!)

[Eagle Ray]

Those sound like great strategies smallwolf 🙂 Yes, I think accepting and not judging any anxiety that comes up is so helpful. Just allowing and being present with whatever is there. The visualisation exercise sounds great.

It will all be over soon and you should have the results pretty soon I hope. Take care and sending good vibes for tomorrow.

All the best,

ER

[smallwolf]

Hi Er.

Part I over. At home now. Feeling OK.

Was just breathing actually, focus on breath. It allowed me to shut out what else was happening around me.

And thanks.

[smallwolf]

Thought for a mindfulness exercise...

At a retreat... sitting on a chair watching the water break against the shore. A gentle breeze from left to right cools my skin, and in the trees in front you can see the leaves and branches dancing around. The lapping of the water against the sand is pretty much the only sound I hear. There are light grey clouds in the sky. A bird flying by behind me interrupts the sound of of water.

Later it will be time to go back to  civilisation,  but for now I will gaze at the sea.

[Eagle Ray]

That’s a beautiful image and sensory experience smallwolf. Thank you for sharing it 🙏

On Friday night I went to a meditation followed by a talk by a Buddhist monk. It was very peaceful 😌 

I’m going to go for a walk at sunset this evening and I will practise mindfulness. If it’s like many evenings recently the sky will probably have an amazing glow that grows brighter for a while after the sun goes down 🌅

[Eagle Ray]

Well my mindfulness practice was challenged by a large infestation of mosquitoes who marauded me this evening 🤣 I forgot how prevalent they are at the location I walked and also I forgot insect repellent 🙄 However, I still managed to soak up the evening atmosphere. I saw two kangaroos as I approached the river. The air was very warm and still. Once by the river the golden late afternoon light illuminated the gum trees and paperback trees at the water’s edge. Ripples radiated across the water’s surface from occasionally passing boats. The low repetitive call of a Bronzewing pigeon emanated through adjacent woodland. I came to the edge of the estuary as the sun set, the sun forming an arc of white, gold and red orbs. In the opposite direction the sky became dusky pink, reflecting on the water.

[quirkywords]

I have just been catching up on latest post.

smallwolf I find acceptance but have learnt trying to fight feelings makes me worry more.m

[Eagle Ray]

Dear Quirky,

I just thought I’d mention that what helps me is not fighting emotions but allowing myself to feel them and let them move through the body. When this happens they release. I think mindfulness can be used in this way, so you can sense/feel into your body and just allow whatever feelings and emotions are there. I’ve found that it’s this allowing that makes the releasing possible.

Sometimes tears come up, chills, anger, all sorts of things can arise. It can feel emotional but then they pass through and release. I’m fortunate to work with a good psychologist who has really helped me with this, acting as a guide and witness for whatever arises which has given me a safe holding space for my emotions. But I’ve also found particular places in nature really supportive in this way, like I’m being held by the environment so to speak. So if you know of a location you find very peaceful that can help. It could be a lovely garden, a forest, a hill at sunrise or sunset, by a lake, ocean or river - whatever feels right for you. The other day I found a beautiful garden in Perth (Harold Boas Gardens in West Perth) amongst all the surrounding traffic and busyness, so even in an urban environment there can be peaceful places.

Hugs,

ER