Posts

,

Help! Mindfulness is Hard!

Have you found that mindfulness is hard?

 

 

Don’t worry, you are not alone. Many undertake meditating and mindfulness to help deal with some stress, trauma or issues in their lives. Yet it is common to become frustrated in the beginning when our minds do not behave the way with think they should!

Why Mindfulness Is Hard When You’re New to It

Mindfulness is often presented as a simple solution to modern life’s stress and distraction. Just breathe. Just be present. Just let your thoughts pass like clouds. It sounds peaceful—maybe even easy. But if you’ve tried it for the first time, you likely discovered something surprising: mindfulness is hard.

There’s a reason for that. Despite the reputation of someone sitting serenely on a mountain top, mindfulness goes against the grain of how most of us operate day to day. It requires a level of attention, patience, and acceptance that we’re not used to practicing, especially in a world that celebrates speed, multitasking, and constant stimulation.

Read more

/by
,

Unveiling Serenity: The Transformative Power of Body Scan Meditation

The Body Scan meditation is a wonderful way to relax, de-stress and unwind.

In the hustle and bustle of our fast-paced lives, finding a moment of calm can feel like an elusive dream. Enter body scan meditation – a powerful practice that holds the key to unlocking a treasure trove of physical and mental well-being. If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for a simple yet profound way to de-stress, unwind, and reconnect with your inner self, the body scan meditation might just be the answer you’ve been searching for.

What is Body Scan Meditation?

At its core, body scan meditation is a mindfulness technique that involves directing your attention to different parts of your body, systematically and progressively. This practice invites you to explore sensations, tensions, and feelings within each region, fostering a deep connection between your mind and body.

The beauty of body scan meditation lies in its simplicity. You don’t need any special equipment, a dedicated space, or a guru on a mountaintop. All that’s required is a few minutes of your time, an open mind, and the willingness to embark on a journey within yourself.

Read more

/by
,

Mindfulness

Welcome to Mindfulness

 

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that focusses on the present moment; it is not about ‘clearing your mind’, instead it is about witnessing thoughts, feelings and sensations as they arise without judgement. Much of our suffering is caused by the stories we tell ourselves about our thoughts, emotions or feelings. Through mindfulness we can become aware of these negative and repetitive habits of thought and, with practice, can learn to detach from them.

MINDFULNESS BENEFITS

Mindfulness was developed as a stress reduction technique, however, studies over recent decades have shown that it may also assist with the following:

  • clarity and focus
  • greater resilience
  • enhanced creativity
  • improved relationships
  • improved concentration
  • rapport and communication
  • improved health and wellbeing
  • greater confidence and self-esteem
  • better sleep
  • reduced anxiety and depression
  • greater work satisfaction
  • improved memory
  • pain reduction

Read more

/by
,

The Healing Power of Nature: Overcome Isolation

Have you discovered the healing power of nature?

Overcome isolation by submerging yourself in nature, whether it be a walk in a forest, a hike up a mountain, or, like me, dipping a toe into wild swimming.

“Try getting in touch with nature yourself. If you notice a stone lying on the ground, pick it up and hold it. When you see flowers blooming on the side of the road, stop and smell their fragrance”  – Shunmyo Masuno

Read more

/by

Loose Your Stress: Find The Breath

Yoga Therapy: How can the breath relieve stress?

A very dedicated student of mine contacted me recently; she said she would be unable to make yoga for a few weeks as she was sitting with a family member in hospital whom she feared would not pull through. I could sense that she needed some reassurance …

I thought about how to respond for a long while…

In the end I opted for simplicity: “Just breathe….”

Read more

/by