Living preciously in the moment: mindfulness basics
Mindfulness is practiced in countless faith traditions and secular schools of thought alike. It has many interpretations and a vast array of approaches – from religion to social and natural science, philosophy, and psychology. However, it can still be summed up in only a few words: mindfulness is the practice of living in the moment.
I’d like to preface my article by saying that I am speaking from my personal experience. My observations are a collage of wisdom from leaders in faith and philosophy, scientific consensus, and my own opinion. In this article, meditation is what I make of it; it need not be what you or anyone else makes of it.
Again, mindfulness means bringing one’s awareness to the present moment. In order to teach oneself how to navigate a mindful life, we often look to designate specific periods of time for pure meditation. Meditators commonly select an anchor for their attention, such as a sound or the feeling of breathing, and as distractions come and go they strive to return to this anchor.
Beginners will find that their attention is constantly slipping away from them; their focus may last for only a brief moment before a thought arises and overtakes them. They may notice a thought carrying them away from practice, just as a thought so often pulls us from our books or lecture halls or the person speaking to us from the heart. But when one becomes aware that they are caught up in a thought, they need simply return focus to their anchor. This happens over and over and need not be considered failed mindfulness, but simply what is occuring in the moment. To be mindful, one need not cease to think, rather they can be mindful of the thought.
Mindful attention is absent of judgement. Liking or disliking experiences, striving toward a mindful goal, or avoiding thoughts will interfere with mindfulness. The practice is to observe all that comes with acceptance and openness. Meditators practice not clinging and not pushing away. Like any new skill, it is difficult at first and grows easier with practice.
Through habitual periods of meditation, mindfulness practitioners will likely see this heightened focus manifest itself in their everyday lives. After having practiced dedicating attention to the breath and letting emotions wax and wane as they please, individuals may find that focusing on their work, book, or partners in conversation becomes easier; they may find that those painful sensations like anger or humiliation need not seize control of the mind, but instead can smoothly depart, just as they arrived. We find that thoughts, emotions, and anything that arises can be taken as an object of focus in the same way that sound and breath are.
When I began my journey in mindfulness, I found its contents to seem shallow and banal. Literature supposed to be rich in wisdom read off like cheap platitudes scratched on a greeting card. Yet, as I followed the paths of beginner guided meditations and daily mindful moments, I soon saw myself scribbling into my journal those same sentiments that I had previously called cliche. So when a loved one confides in me on their disquieting emotions or tormenting complications, I lend them the insight that mindfulness has lent me. In meditation, I greet myself; unencumbered by a fleeting mind and adorned by loving kindness, I give each and every their due. In meditation, I am learning to cherish every moment and feel the warmth with which this life embraces me. In meditation, I invite you to join me.
Written by Ivy Bergin
