Mindfulness Meditation

What is mindfulness meditation?

Mindfulness meditation is one of the most common methods of meditation, for good reason. Trying to define it, though, can lead to something to meditate on.

Mindfulness is about being in the moment. Although thoughts and emotions still exist in this mindset, it is about acknowledging these thoughts and emotions without judging them and letting them go to return to the moment.

I think that defining meditation can be difficult. The official definition, as accurate as it may be, feels like it’s lacking. Meditation can be so much more and that is where the different methods come to play.

A common misconception about meditation is it is for clearing your thoughts. In a way, this may be true but only after acknowledgment and letting go. Our minds are always active and expecting to completely clear all thought, especially as a beginner, is difficult to do.

So, how do we put this together to truly define mindfulness meditation? Let’s try to keep this as simple and clear as possible.

Mindfulness is a state of mind. Meditation is a practice. The Beyond Little Thoughts definition of Mindfulness Meditation is to practice a state of mind. Until you no longer need the practice and you just become mindful.

The goal for many who begin mindfulness meditation is to eventually not need the meditation to reach a state of mindfulness.

What are the benefits of mindfulness meditation?

The benefits vary by individual due to each person having their own goals and reasons for practicing mindfulness.

Many people have stated that practicing mindfulness meditation has made them more observant to the world around them. They are able to stop their minds from delving into thoughts and emotions, especially the negative ones, and live and be in the moment. Many others have stated attention and memory improvements.

Medically, studies have shown improvements in generalized anxiety disorder, chronic insomnia, stress reduction, and chronic pain disorders.

No one can really say how mindfulness meditation will benefit someone, or if it even will. Not every meditation method will work for everyone, that is why there is more than one. The objective is to keep trying until you find what works for you.

How does one start mindfulness meditation?

There are a lot of resources to help you start mindfulness meditation and it may take some trial and error to find something that works and you are comfortable with. Try searching for “mindfulness meditation” in your preferred app store (Google Play, iTunes) and you will find dozens to choose from. Searching YouTube will provide you various guided mindfulness meditation sessions and, of course, Google will list thousands of websites providing you with instructions, sessions, and studies to get you started.

Beyond Little Thoughts

I started mindfulness meditation because I was unhappy with who I was. All I was able to focus on was the negativity in life. In all of my stress and worry, I forgot what is important and who is important.

It was the realization that my negative thoughts and emotions were having substantial impacts on my relationships that made me want to change. I knew the first thing I had to do was face my thoughts and feelings about myself.

While my progress is ongoing, the benefits were immediate. I felt much calmer and more positive after my first guided session. While I still have days where negative thoughts and emotions are more prominent, I am able to reflect later on the positives of the day and learn from the negative.

We will never be able to prevent or change every negative situation in life. We can, however, change how we react to them. Making positive and healthy changes in life is never easy but it is always worth it because you are worth it. It is okay to have lousy moments and setbacks. Do not let them make bad days. Make them learning experiences and keep trying.

What are your thoughts?