When we realize we are confronted with something we can’t control or change, most of us have the wisdom to know that it may be best to accept it, instead of fighting it or feeling frustrated by it. But acceptance is often easier said than done. So why is acceptance so hard? What’s the secretContinue reading “What is the Secret to Acceptance?”
Tag Archives: present
How Do I Stay in the Moment?
As we devote more time to meditation practice, we begin to taste what it’s like to be in the present moment. We gain a deeper appreciation for being in the moment, but we also notice how often we get pulled away from the moment by our thoughts and fantasies. At this point, we ask, “howContinue reading “How Do I Stay in the Moment?”
Can I Focus on Something Other Than My Breath?
Mindfulness meditation instructions often include invitations to focus one’s attention on the breath, using breath as the anchor of the practice. But what if the breath just doesn’t work for you as a focal point? Some people can’t really feel their breath, so it can be difficult to focus their attention on something they can’tContinue reading “Can I Focus on Something Other Than My Breath?”
How Do I Pay Attention?
“Attention” comes from the Latin word attendere, which means “to attend.” That is a big clue in terms of what it means for mindfulness practice! Mindfulness is simply paying attention to what’s happening right now. To pay attention to this moment means to attend this moment. What does it mean to “attend this moment?” Well,Continue reading “How Do I Pay Attention?”
How Do I Find Peace?
I’ve heard many people say that they want to learn mindfulness meditation because they want to have some peace in their lives. How do we find peace, and what does mindfulness have to do with peace? Peace comes from the Latin word “pax” which means “tranquility, absence of war.” Our lives can be very busyContinue reading “How Do I Find Peace?”
Is Mindfulness the Same as Meditation?
Some people say that mindfulness is the a type of meditation. Some say that meditation is a type of mindfulness. Both are true. Mindfulness is simply present-moment awareness, so it can be done in the format of sitting meditation, or it can be done in everyday activity such as walking, eating, or exercising. From thatContinue reading “Is Mindfulness the Same as Meditation?”
What is the Difference Between Formal and Informal Mindfulness Practice?
Formal practice is the soil, and informal practice is the harvest that comes out of the soil. Formal mindfulness practice is the time we set aside each day to practice the formal mindfulness technique – bringing our attention to the present moment, bringing our attention to the breath. When our mind wanders, we notice theContinue reading “What is the Difference Between Formal and Informal Mindfulness Practice?”
How Do I Get a Good Feeling During Mindfulness Meditation?
There’s nothing wrong with wanting good feelings. There’s nothing wrong with not wanting bad feelings. It’s very human! Most of us come to something like mindfulness meditation because we want to feel more calm, relaxed, and compassionate. We want more of those good feelings! We might also want to feel less of those bad feelingsContinue reading “How Do I Get a Good Feeling During Mindfulness Meditation?”
What is the Present?
In mindfulness practice, we are always talking about paying attention to the present moment, being in the present, and returning to the present. The present moment is such a central component of mindfulness practice. But what is the present, really? The present is simply what is happening right now. It is what you are doingContinue reading “What is the Present?”
How Do I Work with Worrying?
Many of us often carry some kind of worry or concern in our minds. It could be a small worry, like “I hope my commute is not going to be so bad like yesterday.” Or it could be a big worry, like worrying about the health of a family member. There’s an interesting quote aboutContinue reading “How Do I Work with Worrying?”
Mindfulness FAQ 