Mindfulness, Meditation and Yoga

 

“I have suffered a great many misfortunes, most of which never happened”

- Mark Twain

 

Mindfulness is awareness, cultivated by paying attention in a sustained and particular way: on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally.  It is one many forms of meditation, if you think of meditation as any way in which we engage in (1) systematically regulating our attention and energy, (2) thereby influencing and possibly transforming the quality of our experience, (3) in the service of realizing the full range of our humanity and of (4) our relationships to others and the world — Jon Kabat-Zinn

 

Meditation is a deliberate training of attention that awakens us beyond the conditioned mind and habitual thinking, and reveals the nature of reality.  There are many forms of meditation - a variety of skillful means to quiet the mind and open the heart.  There are countless contemplative practices, devotional practices, concentration subjects, mantras, visualizations, energy trainings, and inner listening practices to foster awakening, understanding and love.  

 

Many people have a misconception about the practice of Yoga. Yoga can benefit everyone, and can increase flexibility and stability, reduce the level of stress and help quiet the mind.  I’ve been practicing Yoga since 1998