Mindfulness Meditation

The benefits of being physically active and exercising are widely understood as being integral to a long and healthy life – however – we should also prioritize exercising our minds. Research suggests that mindfulness and meditation have scientifically proven health benefits and were recently listed in FORBES as being helpful for everyone, even if practiced in short durations.

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we’re doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what’s going on around us. While mindfulness is something we all naturally possess, it’s more readily available to us when we practice it on a daily basis. Whenever you bring awareness to what you’re directly experiencing via your senses, or to your state of mind via your thoughts and emotions, you’re being mindful. Research shows that when you train your brain to be mindful, you’re actually remodeling the physical structure of your brain.

By being mindful, we aim to move from a mode of constantly doing, to a mode of simply being. We try to be aware of being present and in the moment, giving ourselves permission to quiet down the mind and surrender to what comes, physically, mentally and emotionally.

Using Meditation in Everyday Life

Meditation and being mindful can be easy and does not have to be about sitting in lotus position for hours, it can be part of your daily life. Noticing your breath, exhaling fully, releasing stress and tension. Walking with purpose, connecting to the earth with each step. Being aware of negative mental chatter and trying to create positive thoughts, even during mundane daily activities.

My intention is to open your eyes and guide you to listen and connect to your body and your energy field. Your body tells you so much – it listens to your thoughts and to your words, which attracts energy and manifests in your life. When the systems in the body work together harmoniously and are balanced, homeostasis is achieved.  We aim to have all your energy in your organs and pathways flowing freely, to maximize optimal health on a physical, emotional, energetic and spiritual level.

We have between 50,000- 70,000 thoughts and constant mind chatter, many of which are random, purposeless and some even irrational. Mindfulness meditation allows us to learn to let go of the thoughts that are simply not useful to us and may even be limiting us. It is important that we all carve out some time every day to practice stillness through meditation – time for simply being and not doing anything.

Health Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation

The most recent studies on mindfulness and meditation demonstrate that numerous health benefits may be attained through this practice, such as:

• Relaxed body and mind
• Improved mental focus and concentration
• Seeing yourself with more understanding and compassion
• Maintain optimal health
• Decreased joint and muscle pain
• Improved sleep
• Decreased anxiety, stress and depression
• Lowered blood pressure
• Boosted immune system
• Improved digestion
• Greater sense of wholeness and balance in your life
• Greater moment to moment awareness of details in your life, clearer seeing and understanding
• A quieter and calmer mind
• Released judgement of yourself and others

It is important to note that everyone’s experience while practicing mindfulness and meditation will be different, as we are all unique individuals. The mind is very powerful and learning to become more familiar with yourself and your own inner wisdom will ultimately allow you to attain more peace and calmness.

I will guide you and show you a few different breathing techniques and meditation practices. It is good to try each one, and notice with curiosity, how your mind, body, heart and energy respond. Remember, there is no wrong way – see what works for you, honoring yourself and your unique individuality.

I invite you to start today – form a new positive routine!

Namaste,

Marda

Reiki, Meditation & Yoga teacher

Join Marda for guided Meditations on Fridays at 12pm at Mayfair West. Each week she guides members with a different meditation to connect with your inner self, balance your energy chakras and create balance and calm. Click HERE to register!