Thursday, February 6, 2025
The word “meditation” is often confused with “mindfulness.” Meditation is the discipline of sitting still in a particular posture in silence and solitude with focus on the breath. (You will learn more about it in Month 3.) Mindfulness is a state of total awareness of the mind that results from the daily practice of meditation.
Mindfulness Meditation is also name of a meditation and is one of many meditations people practice such as Body Scan, Loving Kindness, Guided meditations and so on.
You have practiced focusing your attention on your breath. In so doing, you watch your own mind in the present moment. You witness yourself from a short distance. This is similar to looking at your own reflection in a life-size mirror. The way you study your face, your torso, the whole body is not different from witnessing your passing thoughts, feelings and body sensations. You watch yourself as if as an outsider. This is self-awareness, a quality essential to your emotional and spiritual growth.
When something agitates or upsets you, thoughts rush through your mind. It’s a good idea to ask yourself, why did that thought cross my mind? Why did I act the way I did? Why did I say what I said? Such self-questioning has many benefits. Patiently listening to the whispers of your Authentic Self embedded deep within you is always beneficial. You may or may not receive immediate answers but the practice will calm your body and mind. When you are your own judge and jury, you can’t cheat, lie, or ignore the truth. You get to know yourself better and get an opportunity to improve your behavior.
This month we’re going to focus on our faculties of Attention and Awareness. When we keep them in mind we let our day unfurl with confidence. When you pay attention and are aware of the present moment the Awareness (Consciousness) emerges and your true/authentic nature shines through.
Just like your face, your personality is one of a kind. Trust the path you have chosen to walk on, trust the calling that has been bestowed upon you and watch it lead you to a better place. And surprise yourself. There is no one in the world who could do what you have done or plans to do what you plan to do. Let your plan reveal itself to you with your daily Practice that includes breathing exercises, journaling, walking in nature and reading.
Remember, attention and awareness are basic faculties you practice in meditation which makes you more mindful. Read more about them in the book, Unblock Your Creative Flow as daily Inspirations.
Jennifer D. Diamond
Good morning, Madhu! Thank you for clarifying the terms meditation and mindfulness. The longer I practice both, the less tolerant I am of a chaotic, multi-tasking life. I love the feeling of moving through the day, focusing my attention on the one task I am doing at each and every one moment.
Lorraine
I’m definitely more mindful every day. Awareness and living in the moment are at all time highs.
Meditation has slipped away a bit — or it is only a few minutes instead of 15+ where I feel its power the most. I miss the peace and calm of meditation and will work to get back to it.
Madhu B. Wangu
Dear Lorraine,
Being self-aware and living in the moment are the meditation in themselves. But I know what you mean by settling down in the silence of a space and physical stillness after 15-20 minutes. Once you are hooked on the experience you crave to get back to it. In return the practice strengthens your attention and awareness. I’m sure you’ll get back to it soon.
Madhu B. Wangu
Dear Jenn,
With regular meditation and journaling practice you seem to be getting better and better at mindfulness. Do you sometimes feel happy without any reason? If not now, soon it should happen. When your mind is clear of chaotic thoughts and your attention is on one task and you’re self-aware, a bubble of joy rises up within your body and surprises you.
Donna Lucas
Good afternoon, Madhu and Mindful Writer Friends.
I’m teaching online today due to the ice storm. This has given me the gift of peace and quiet to stretch out the morning in solitude before logging in to my classes. You know I love teaching, but I am overzealous when we have time off. I crave solitude during the day that doesn’t happen until the kids get on the bus to leave. Teaching overflows with crowds and noise and activity.
Writing is the perfect counterbalance to that. I am making more time for writing at home and in the classroom. My meditations happen during morning walks and sometimes right before bed.
Thank you for these lifelong tools, Madhu.
Madhu B. Wangu
Good morning dear Donna,
I applaud the way you weave your time pressured profession with the Practice. This, I feel certain is benefiting your life with meaning and peace. Love!