The foreground and the background of mindfulness

During a mindfulness meditation we bring our attention to a variety of things: thoughts, sounds, the breath, sensations in the body, emotions. We hold these things in the foreground of our awareness. It is important during mindfulness practise to not create a tension between what we are holding in the foreground of our attention and …

Mindfulness, relaxation and mental t’ai chi

Mindfulness is, in essence, nothing more complicated that relaxing the mind. But first, take a moment now to relax a part of the body, maybe an arm or a leg. What was the process you went through to do that? Initially, I imagine you turned your attention towards your arm or leg; you then, perhaps, …

The five essential elements of mindfulness meditation and relaxation

1. Don't have any expectations Don't expect that you will become relaxed; don't expect that you will slow and quieten your thoughts. Mindfulness meditation is about being open to change and being aware of it if and when it happens, but don't expect change. Expecting will limit possibilities and sets oneself up for disappointment. 2. …