What Is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is paying attention and taking care, with every breath, every thought and every action.
I know that might sound difficult, but what is really difficult is living with the consequences of not paying attention and not taking care.
Here are some ways to understand what mindfulness is:
- Your brain is constantly reviewing your past, stopping off briefly in the present, and then going on to worry about your future (unless you've become an optimist...if so, good for you).
- Being mindful means paying attention to your breath, your posture, and your immediate surroundings...in other words, it means hanging out longer in the present and not rushing off so fast to the past or future.
- You are the most awake, aware and focused when you're paying attention to the present moment, and those are some of the benefits of mindfulness.
- Mindfulness is a practice that is usually built and strengthened with meditation, but ultimately it is something you do throughout each day.
That gives you an idea of what mindfulness is. Now let's look at some ways it can help you with your anger.
"Being mindful takes you closer to your good heart and inner wisdom, helping you manage all of your emotions more successfully."
William DeFoore
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Mindfulness is actually a process of becoming more and more truly your self, and your true self is a wonderful being with gifts and talents you may not have dreamed of.
This is not difficult or complicated. You don't have to join any organization, or learn any new words.
Keeping your mind focused on positive thoughts is an excellent way to become more mindful:
How Can Mindfulness Help With My Anger?
When you're angry, you are caught in some thought processes that are driving that angry feeling. You may not be at all aware of these thoughts, but they're there.
That's why anger journaling is so helpful, it makes you more aware of your angry thoughts.
Let's look at some specific ways that mindfulness can help with your anger:
- When you're angry, you are almost never in the present moment, so practicing mindfulness in the present can sometimes take you right out of your anger.
- Paying attention to your breathing, a key component of mindfulness, will take you out of your racing thoughts and help you to calm down and think more clearly.
- Practicing gratitude and appreciation is a central part of being mindful. Gratitude has been shown to actually block the toxic
emotions of resentment and anger.
- When you're mindful, you are focused on yourself and your own personal process. When angry, you're usually focusing on other people, and not looking at yourself.
- Finally, when you are mindful, you are moving ever closer to your central, wise and good self...the one you were born to be, and the one who is longing to emerge into the beautiful life you are creating.
Here is a mindfulness exercise for you:
- Notice what you hear right now. Slow down enough to hear all of the subtle sounds.
- Without looking around, notice what you can see with your eyes in your peripheral
vision.
- Notice any aromas that may be present...just breathe through your nose a few times and pay attention.
- Be aware of your body being supported where you're sitting or standing.
- Notice the sensation of your clothes against your skin.
This simple exercise will always bring you into the present moment and help you to focus and calm yourself.
This is only one of many approaches to mindfulness. Learn all you can about it, and begin practicing regularly.
This highly effective audio program, available as CDs or MP3 download, will help you understand how meditation can heal your emotions and enhance your total well being. Get your copy now.
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