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

[blondguy]

Hey Quirky

MarkJT is spot on with the breathing technique......and you can do it...

• Breathing in slowly through the nose......and then breathing out slowly through your mouth....

It takes practise but it will have a calming effect 🙂 No self confidence is needed on this technique. Paul x

[Croix]

Dear Paul and all~

I've no idea if this is relevant- perhaps it's the 'deliberate mindfulness' Mark was explaining..

When I'm triggered by something and all the thoughts and feelings rush in threatening to tear me apart one thing I try to do is concentrate on something. It's like I focus, or shrink my view of the world down to one simple thing - the end of a cat tail, an ember of the fire through the glass, a nailhead. Sometimes I succeed and the pressure goes and I get a sense of proportion about the world. My reaction and all those thoughts loose their hold.

It does help sometimes.

Croix

[blondguy]

Hi Croix and thankyou.

You just described mindfulness...spot on!

I lit my outdoor fire pit tonight and I just stood there staring at the bright red coals under the burning redgum...All my other thoughts were gone as I was lost in the moment......which turned out to be over 20 minutes....I didnt even know that I was doing it for so long....

Im still getting the hang of it as well Croix. I hope that I never mention 'mindfulness' as a singular reply to a new poster as its too vague a term unless we have been counseled/trained in how or what it is.

I see it as 'grounding' myself but wont use the term of 'mindfulness' as a reference on its own to assist people in pain as they may not have any idea of what on earth I am talking about.

Cheers and thankyou Croix for understanding why I wrote this thread topic......Hoping you have a good weekend

Paul

[MarkJT]

Croix & Paul, brilliant, just brilliant - staring at coals - yep brilliant and Croix, I love the idea of staring at a cats tail. Can envision that really well.

Mark

[CMF]

Paul, That pit fire sounds divine,' bright red coals under the burning redgum'. I feel warmth just thinking about it.

Croix, I like this 'It's like I focus, or shrink my view of the world down to one simple thing '. When my anxiety takes over everything seems so big. My house feels big, engulfing me, things I need to do seem like big tasks, going for a walk feels like a big job. I can picture myself shrinking my view of everything so it does not overwhelm me.

Words are powerful aren't they.

[CMF]

After seeing Boy George on The Voice recently i have become obsessed with his music agsin. I have put the cd in my car. I know the songs, the meaning is alwzys besutiful. I know the words the key is perfect for my vocal range so i can comfortably sing along haha but what i really noticing these days is his beautiful voice. the smoothness, the tone, the back up vocals, harmonies and the instruments. The harmonica, the drums, wind instruments. I am really noticing them all individually and together. The meaning behind his songs is as always beautiful as were the songs he chose on the voice but i am really noticing more. His voice is amazing.

[MarkJT]

CMF, yep music is just so powerful and one of the best ways to chill or ground yourself. Funnily enough, loud, fast and heavy music calms me more than the traditional low, soft and easy music. Although when i stretch after morning run or ride, i put on Enigma as the different sounds they produce really engages my mind.

How good is it when you get reminded of music from your past and it gets a good decent re-run in the car. I have a pathetic voice but it doesn't stop me from belting the tunes out!

Mark

[CMF]

Mark,

'...loud, fast and heavy music calms me more than the traditional low, soft and easy music.' Absolutely! One of my favourite songs on the cd is 'Church of the poison mind'. The start of it really grabs me.

[blondguy]

Thanks CMF. Its a Mexican Chiminea and it really does clear the mind beautifully

Mark, to have your knowledge and clarity on mindfulness is a treasure. Im the same as you too....sometimes some quality heavy and fast music can also be a great way to achieve clarity of thought as well

Have a good day everybody 🙂

Paul

[quirkywords]

Mark, I like music with strong lyrics so it is the words that I can lose myself in as well as the tune. NOt sure what that means.

Quirky