What is Guided Mindfulness?
" Awareness that comes from paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, + non judgmentally." - Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder of Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) at the University of Massachusetts
Cultivating Mindfulness Practice has shown to increase psychological, physical, cognitive, emotional calmness and stability.
Mindful Practice includes (a) Creating awareness of the present moment, what you are experiencing in the Now. (b) Informal Mindfulness Meditations (c) Formal Mindfulness Meditations. By developing a receptive, open, non-judgmental orientation to our present experience, helps us to become aware of more choices. Thus, instead of ‘Re-Action’ – we Take Action.
Basically, when we are being mindful we are deciding to be aware, paying attention, right here and now of what is going on around us and within us, with a sense of appreciation, interest, and perhaps some curiosity.
Most of the time we run on what’s called ‘autopilot’, which means that while doing one thing, we are not thinking about what we are doing but instead we are thinking of other thoughts. Eg when doing a routine task like driving, or eating, we may be ruminating over past events, thinking how we could have done it better, or perhaps worrying what we should be doing next to make better decisions if it happens in the future. We are thus not actually living in the present moment.
While there is a need to explore past events and plan future events, it is better to do it, at a time and place we actually decide. And then be aware we are doing it, being mindful at that moment in time.
So through mindfulness, we can change our thought processes, from constantly re-living old fears and traumas, from wanting things to be different than they are, to simply opening up to observing how they are at this moment.
Guided Mindfulness is not only about taking time out for ourselves to relax, to meditate, it is even more about being present during our ever busy days, at work, at play, with family, friends, colleagues, at times when all runs smoothly – and even at times when it all just seems to be falling apart. It is about developing habits of awareness, vigilance so that we can be alert for potential negative states of mind so that we can refrain from developing them and thus instead create a clearer sense of purpose to move towards more positivity more beneficial states of mind.
Guided Mindfulness, helps us to develop the capacity to focus our attention towards what is happening right here and now, with emphasis on being non-judgemental, creating a deeper kindness towards ourselves, our experiences and others. By practicing Mindfulness techniques regularly, we can become more aware of our mind and emotions, our actions or reactions, thus significantly and beneficially improve our well-being, our relationships and increase our emotional strength at deeper levels of being.
Some Great Benefits of Guided Mindfulness Meditation
Develop greater self-awareness and understanding
Raise our level of awareness of all around us
Deeper Peacefulness within
Content and ease of dealing with stress
More harmonious relationships
Understanding dealing with diversity, difficulty
Reduce negativity and worry
Increased calm
Increase self confidence, self esteem, self worth, self belief