We hear about mindfulness and meditation all the time; but, what is the difference? Are they the same? Let me break it down for you.
Mindfulness is the awareness of something, while meditation is the awareness of nothing. There are many forms of meditation.
Mindfulness Meditation is a form of Clear Mind meditation that helps to do just as the name implies - clear your mind. Attention is paid to the natural rhythm of the breath while sitting, and to the rhythm of slow walking.
Mindfulness meditation is a mental training practice that teaches you to slow down racing thoughts, let go of negativity, and calm both your mind and body. Mindfulness techniques can vary, but in general, mindfulness meditation involves a breathing practice and awareness of body and mind.
You can be mindful and not meditate. This is the practice of sitting with your thoughts, asking yourself intentional questions about a situation to deepen your self-awareness, which will help you navigate difficult and triggering situations.
Mindfulness requires ::
Beginner’s mind :: Seeing things as a visitor in a foreign land, everything is new and curious.
No judgment :: Becoming impartial, without any labels of right or wrong or good or bad. Simply allowing things to be.
Acknowledgement :: Recognizing things as they are.
Being settled :: Being comfortable in the moment and content where you are.
Being composed :: Being equanimous and in control with compassion and insight.
Letting be :: Letting things be as they are with no need to change them.
Being self reliant :: Deciding on your own, from your own experiences, what is true or not.
Being self-compassionate :: Loving yourself as you are with no criticism or self-reproach.
mindfulness meditation
spiritual meditation.
focused meditation.
movement meditation.
mantra meditation.
transcendental meditation
progressive relaxation.
loving-kindness meditation
How can these things help with stress?
Proactively manage stress
Reduce anxiety that comes from racing thoughts and projecting the future
Increase your self-awareness, which can improve relationships, help identify triggers and create strategies to support stress reduction and improved mental health
How + when to use them to help with stress.
Bio-individuality | Each person is different, but these are general practice rules
Begin your day | Center yourself and plan for your day | Help you anticipate stress of day
In the moment | Center yourself + stop racing thoughts and anxiety
Stop and ask questions to get to root cause + triggers