Mindfulness Meditation & Mindfulness Techniques

What is Mindfulness Meditation?

There are many forms of meditation out there – guided visualizations, mantra repetition, yoga asana practice, loving kindness exercises, etc. However, mindfulness meditation is a practice that more and more people who are incredibly busy have begun to practice on a regular basis to help slow down the mind and body.

Mindfulness is a way to practice focusing our attention on the present moment, pulling it out of the future or past, back into the now. What is wonderful about mindfulness meditation is that it can be practiced anywhere at just about any time. While other types of meditation require deep focus and are meant to quiet the mind, mindfulness invites you to non-judgmentally focus on whatever is happening in that moment - from the honking of car horns in traffic to the random thoughts that pop in and out of your head. In fact, mindfulness welcomes these “distractions” as a beautiful opportunity to practice returning your attention to the present moment.

Of course, in the beginning this returning of attention is much easier said than done – but the more you practice this type of meditation the easier it will get and the more helpful it will become.

Mindfulness Techniques in Austin, TX

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that has gained popularity in Western society over the past decade as it helps people with busy lives to cut through all the clutter around them and just focus on the present moment. By learning mindfulness techniques and focusing on the present moment without judgement, you will start to see positive changes in your mental health, attitude and behaviors. Here are some simple techniques that you can try out on your own:

Formal Mindfulness Technique: find a place where you can sit comfortably without being disturbed and set a timer for 5-10 minutes. Begin by closing your eyes and focusing your attention on your breathing - noticing the different qualities of your breath. Next focus your attention on anything you can feel in your body. From there, begin to notice the sounds around you. If at any point your mind wanders away, gently bring it back to your point of focus.

Informal Mindfulness Technique: bring mindful awareness (noticing sounds, smells, tastes, texture, color, etc.) to everyday activities such as doing the dishes, eating a meal, sitting outside or driving through traffic. Notice how this mindful awareness affects your breathing, body and quality of mind.

Whether you are new to mindful meditation or have tried it but would like to learn more advanced mindfulness techniques to help you further your practice, Arrive Counseling in Austin, TX is here to help. Cultivate the qualities of peace, focus, love and compassion and learn how to practice accepting your thoughts, emotions and world around you without judgement with mindfulness techniques at Arrive Counseling.

I look forward to meeting you and providing you with a place where you can learn mindfulness techniques that will help you cultivate a deeper sense of inner peace.