How to practice mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness Meditation

There are many different types of meditation, but they all seek the same ends. Those being peace, tranquility, understanding, higher brain function, less stress, and ultimately, self-realization, or enlightenment. While many forms exist, one really stands out and will be the topic of this article.

Mindfulness is one of the doctrines of Buddhism, namely the eight-fold path. It’s referred to as Right-Mindfulness and has become all the rage lately. It’s everywhere from schools to the trading floor of the New York Stock Exchange, and rightfully so.

How to Meditate Mindfully

I know you’re time is short, so here’s how to do it:

1. Set a timer for five minutes. (You have one on your smart-phone, or in the kitchen)
2. Sit with your spine erect (straight). Posture is important.
3. Notice and then concentrate on your breath as best as you can.
4. Your mind will go crazy. It doesn’t like this. (that’s your ego)
5. Notice your mind going crazy, then return to your breath.
6. Your mind will go crazy again.
7. Again, return to your breath.
8. It’s all about returning to your breath.
9. Do this until the timer goes off.

The trick is to do this consistently every day. Eventually, your mind will quiet down. It’s a myth that your mind stops. It never does. Don’t try to stop your mind. You’ll just get frustrated and angry, or down on yourself, which you shouldn’t ever have to feel.

Instead, just allow your mind to run, but gently return your attention to your breathing. That’s the real trick. Mindfulness is not something to achieve, it’s something that exists perpetually, but you just have to notice it. It’s like jacking into the Matrix, if you remember that movie.