Mindfulness
What mindfulness is is subject to
some debate. The Mayo Clinic offers the following explanation:
Mindfulness is a type of
meditation in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and
feeling in the moment, without interpretation or judgment. Practicing
mindfulness involves breathing methods, guided imagery, and other practices to
relax the body and mind and help reduce stress.
Spending too much time
planning, problem-solving, daydreaming, or thinking negative or random thoughts
can be draining. It can also make you more likely to experience stress, anxiety
and symptoms of depression. Practicing mindfulness exercises can help you
direct your attention away from this kind of thinking and engage with the world
around you.[1]
I think of it as a step in the meditation
process whilst other consider it to be a form of meditation. I think we can all
agree it that does is calm the mind and when our mind is calm allow us to be
patient and then see the world and our issues in balanced or measured way. For
me meditation needs to focus on a virtuous object.
Thinking about the world and
seeing this way allows me to destress and focus on now – not live in the past
and what I should have sone or what other could have done or live too far ahead
and worry about the future. We need to live in the moment and focus on the job
we are doing – especially if it is meditating.
Modern Buddhism, operating in
conventional western society, teaches many westerns some practical application
of its core practices. What van Cuylenberg is trying to teach is the
development of a peaceful mind which is the key to contentment and happiness. It
we mix gratitude, empathy and love as virtuous objects in our meditation we
will achieve much of what van Cuylenberg offer to us.
Van Cuylenberg and Buddhists
accept that happiness cannot be found in possession, things, experiences or
food or mid altering substances. Happiness lies within. Geshe Kelsang Gyatso in
his well know book “Eight Steps to Happiness”[2]
says we must develop virtuous minds which include gratitude and empathy.
Van Cuylenberg has demonstrated that
with practice many people can learn to manage their mind, be healthy, be happy,
focused and therefor improve their business life. For me what was interesting
was his work was across age groups and worked for all. I am most impressed
about the application with children and becoming a life long practise.
If we can have a happy mind, we
will have a calm mind and not only be more productive but efficient as our mind
will be filled with positive energy. Books like The Resilience Project but
meditation into the hands of many without the fear of joining a cult.
It is in our interest to practice
mindfulness and meditation – it is a daily investment in a happier and
healthier life.
Paul Raftery / www.paulraftery.com.au
[1]
See :www. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/mindfulness-exercises/art-20046356.
Accessed 29-01-2020.
[2]
Revised Edition, Tharpa Publications, England, 2012.
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