Our modern way of life multiplies excessively the solicitations, the possibilities of distraction, the interruptions of our attention. We are often only half in what we are doing, and our mind is more and more scattered. Mindfulness meditation consists of stopping to act or to think to observe what is happening within us, without trying to modify it: our breathing, thoughts, and sounds surrounding us. By functioning “training of the mind” to remain in the continuity of meditative experience, it is an antidote to this current tendency to satisfy our impulses and the fragmentation of attention immediately.
Mindfulness meditation consists in being attentive to what is happening in the present, in and around you, without judgment or reaction. This awareness of the moment promotes a calmer mental state that can reduce stress levels and improve quality of life.
What is mindfulness meditation?
Mindfulness meditation consists of focusing on the present moment. It is about listening, feeling, “what is happening inside of you, your sensations, your emotions, your thoughts in relation to what is happening outside of you: the sounds heard, the smells felt …” Meditation allows access to the state of full consciousness. It frees the mind from its incessant thoughts to refocus on the present moment. “The state of meditation is the moment when one is refocused on the essential. Meditation is a form of introspection” underlines the therapist.
“On what is happening here and now, without judgment or reaction,” explains Clélia Félix
Indications and benefits
The greatest benefit of mindfulness meditation is to fully enjoy life. To leave the automatisms, the mental preoccupations which make us live disconnected from the moment. It is to make oneself available to what life offers us” defines the therapist. This discipline, which the Anglo-Saxons call Mindfulness, has many beneficial effects on health:
- reduction of stress.
- improvement of the quality of life by being more present at the moment.
- the gain in clarity of mind allows to better apprehend the problems.
- reduction of anxiety.
- Improvement of sleep.
- improvement of attention disorders, productivity by going more to the essential.
- tool for managing suffering, headaches, physical, mental, and emotional pain.
- control of one’s emotions.
- development of creativity.
Simple exercises to practice mindfulness meditation
Stop and just be aware of what you are doing… even if it is taking a shower or washing the dishes.
While eating, play at rediscovering textures, flavors, scents, etc. And this, with all our senses.
Observe our breathing and concentrate on it instead of rushing to our phone or grumbling when waiting in line.
Noticing how we feel instead of reacting (or even overreacting) to an upset.
Accepting the various emotions that come over us, being able to name them, but not holding on to them.