What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness is about paying attention and being aware of the current moment in a kind, compassionate, and non-judgmental way.

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There are other definitions out there and feel free to look them up.

However, you won’t really know what mindfulness means until you try practicing!

Types of practices

Each practice is just a different way to come back to the present moment as it is.

Examples of Practices include:

• Awareness - eg. breath, sounds, etc

• Movement - yoga, walking

• Body scan

• Eating meditation

• Guided imagery

• Labelling - eg. thoughts, feelings

• Compassion meditation

• Loving kindness

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Positions

Various positions can be used when meditating

Sitting

You may want to sit on the ground.

To take pressure off the hips sit on a cushion or bench to elevate the hips above the knees. The legs can be crossed, or with one leg in front of the other, or in half lotus or full lotus positions. Or you can kneel. Sometimes you may want to sit on a chair. Regardless of how you are sitting, ideally the back should be alert yet comfortable.

Your hands can be in whatever position that feels the most comfortable. For example, hands can be facing up, or facing down, or together.

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Standing

You may prefer to stand sometimes.

It may be helpful to have the feet parallel and a few inches apart with the knees slightly bent.

Palms can be facing inward or forward. The back should be in an alert yet comfortable posture.

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Lying

You may want to lie down sometimes.

Most people like lying on the back, with the legs slightly apart and palms facing up. If this causes back strain, you can modify by bending the knees or elevating the legs 90 degrees to take the pressure off the lower back.

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Regardless of what position you pick, ensure that you are comfortable. The more comfortable you are, the longer you will be able to meditate for!