In our practice today, we are coming back to the breath with kindness. Sometimes we can get frustrated with our mind wandering off into the other room. But there is no need to criticize ourselves when this occurs, whether we are thinking about what someone said or did, maybe a project at work, or communications you have to make via email or phone.
The mind wanders. It thinks. That is its job.
What we want to do in our practice is notice it the mind wandering, and gently bring our attention back to the breath. It’s important that we are patient with ourselves. Mindfulness is a practice and even those of us who have been doing it for a long time still have to follow all the same techniques for that ole wandering mind. I know I do!
How do you speak to yourself when the mind wanders? Notice this too. So, the mind has become lost in thought, what do you do? Without judgment or criticism, bring it on back to the breath ever so kindly. It doesn’t matter how long or how many times you are distracted. Our goal is always to offer kindness to ourselves in this moment.
Let me know how this week goes for you and with each practice that I post. You can join me in my mindfulness classes or if you would you like personal meditation instruction, I am happy to assist you through these practices. Contact me.
Recommended reading for Week One of the Challenge is pages 37 – 47 and pages 64 – 74 in the second edition of the book, “Real Happiness”.
Supportive guided meditations by Sharon Salzberg are located here.
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