The Contemporary Approach To Mindfulness | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Contemporary Approach To Mindfulness

Because just breathing isn't always enough

116
The Contemporary Approach To Mindfulness
Pixabay

This semester, I am taking a class called Mindfulness Awareness, and so far I am loving every minute of it. One night I was reading some pages for a nightly assignment when I came across a very exciting concept of mindfulness.

The well-known definition of mindfulness is simply the act of being present. But what does it mean to be present? Simply not thinking about the past or future? Engaging in an activity that requires full focus? Jon Kabat-Zinn believes it is more than that. In his book, Mindfulness for Beginners, he says, “Ultimately, I see mindfulness as a love affair- with life…” The second I read that line in his book, I scrambled around my dorm room to find a pen or highlighter to mark it.

I found it to be such a thrilling concept, I never thought about it that way, and it makes so much sense. I think it will get more people more excited about practicing mindfulness. Right now I think people see meditation, and mindfulness as a yogi-hippie kind of thing. So it has a weird stigma to it. But as the mental health field continues to grow, that vibe will go away.

Everybody has a relationship in his/her/their lives where it really helps them grow as a person. Mindfulness is mimicking the dynamics of that special person in our lives. How often do we get to sit down and ask how we are, and how our day is going? Mindfulness is dedicating a small pocket of time in the day to be your own partner. Jon Kabat-Zinn says that mindfulness is a great way to create “intimacy with your own mind…”

I think once we become familiar with meditation, that is when we can start to catch feelings for living. And when that happens, the practice of mindfulness is a no-brainer. The more we practice, it will really feel like a relationship. So we are looking at mindfulness as an act of love. Think of it this way, we are simply swiping right on ourselves.

Now, you’re probably wondering, how exactly can I practice mindfulness this way?

If you’re familiar with meditation, you’ve probably been told to not think about anything, and just focus on breathing. But that’s not going to work for every single soul on this planet. I need someone to guide me through it. I need structure, I’m that person who will be less anxious when I know what the hell I’m doing. So let’s do this step by step.

Muscle Relaxation

Go ahead and get ~comfy~ (;

But seriously, I can’t meditate without doing this first, there’s a ton of videos on youtube, and meditation apps that help guide you through the process. It’s great for when you’re having trouble falling asleep, experiencing muscle tension, or really any minor aches. Start with your toes, and end with your forehead.

Checking-in

So this is what you’re going to do instead of just breathing, or trying to imagine yourself somewhere tropical. If you’re like me, then you always do what your heart tells you to do, and half of the time you don’t like what your heart wants, and we don’t always realize it. Checking in is the perfect time to really ask yourself how you are feeling, and to evaluate all of the stuff your heart wants.

Now is your chance to say no! It is completely okay to say no to your own heart because I promise you will be so much happier in the long run if you say it when your brain doesn’t feel good. I’ve been doing that since the semester started, and it has definitely been way more effective for me than just breathing.

Happy Stuff

So sometimes evaluating your heart’s orders can be stressful and painful, believe me, I’ve been there. Instead of feeling like crap when you open your eyes, it’s good to end on a good note. We often daydream when we are not supposed to, so here’s some designated time! Think about puppies or that one person who makes you feel amazing, anything you want!

Wakey-wakey!

Once you’ve occupied your mind with some feel-good thoughts, you’re ready to finish the meditation!

When we take the time to check in with ourselves, we will be closer to falling in love with living. We'll be really taking the time to listen, so then we can focus on the important things, and live our best lives!

References

Jon Kabat-Zinn, Mindfulness for Beginners, Reclaiming the present moment --- and your life, 2012

Get it here on Amazon!




Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
girl
Pexels

In case you're unaware, "resting bitch face" is the term used to describe when a person's natural, expressionless face makes it look like they are mad at the world. Whether they are walking down the street or simply spacing out thinking about what to eat for dinner, it's very easy for others to assume that this person is either upset or mad at them. Because of this, those of us with Resting Bitch Face (RBF), and especially us women, have all experienced many of the same situations and conversations, including:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

The Stages Of A Crush As Told By The Cast of "Bob's Burgers"

We all go through certain stages when we have a crush, Tina just explains it better.

579
my heart just pooped its pants
Google

We've all had a crush before. Whether it leads to something or nothing, the process has all been the same. The awkward feelings, the stalking, and the stress of trying to keep this huge secret. The feeling of becoming a total spazz is something that cannot be avoided, and the most spazzy family that can relate to this feeling is the Belcher's.

Keep Reading...Show less
you didnt come this far to only come this far lighted text
Photo by Drew Beamer on Unsplash

At the tender age of 18, we are bestowed with the title of “adult.” For 17 years, we live under the rules and guidelines of our parents, school, and government, and to stray from any of those rules or guidelines marks us as a rebel. At 18, though, we must choose which college we want to go to or what career we want. We are allowed and encouraged to vote. We can buy lottery tickets and cigarettes. We can drop out of school, leave our household, and do other "adult" things. At 18, we start down a path of thinking for ourselves, when for the entirety of our lives other institutions have been mandated to think and do for us.

Keep Reading...Show less
university
University of Nebraska at Omaha

Creating your schedule for the upcoming semester can be an exciting process. You have the control to decide if you want to have class two-days a week or five-days a week. You get to check things off of your requirement checklist. It's an opportunity for a fresh start with new classes (which you tell yourself you'll never skip.) This process, which always starts out so optimistic, can get frustrating really quickly. Here are 25 thoughts you have when registering for classes.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

10 Thoughts Of A 5th Year Senior

What about those of us who don't do it all in four years?

1669
college shirt
pointsincase.com

"College will be the best four years of your life" is a phrase that we have all heard growing up. College is painted as a magical place to us while we are in high school. A place you go to learn, meet your best friends and probably have the time of your life while all of this is going down. Four whirlwind years, where everything that you've known changes and you start to learn what it means to live on your own, have a job, etc. But what about those of us who don't do this all in four years? Major changes, hard courses, switching schools, career paths changing, these are just a handful of factors that could extend your four years to five, six or seven. There is nothing wrong with taking extra time to graduate, but returning as a fifth-year is a little different. Most of your best friends have most likely graduated and moved and while you may be one of the oldest undergraduates on campus, you might feel as awkward as a freshmen. A world that became home and comfortable to you is still there but it's slightly different than you've known it to be and you have to find a groove to fall into. These are thoughts you'll have as you look ahead to returning to your college campus, with a victory lap planned.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments