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01 June 2019

The Benefits Of Mindfulness Training

By Jerry Nelson


Most people have heard the term living in the now or living in the present moment. In most cases, this refers to the concept of Mindfulness Training. For, mindfulness is the psychological process which focuses on bringing attention to actions and experiences going on in the current moment in time.

Most often, individuals whom wish to attain a mindful state in the moment use meditation as a tool to do so. For, regardless of a meditation schedule, individuals can practice meditation at any given time or place. Whereas, the concept of mindfulness is actually based on ancient Zen Buddhist and Tibetan meditation.

Whether used to treat anxiety, reduce stress or treat alcohol and drug addiction, the practice has often proved successful. In addition, some schools, hospitals, prisons, senior and veterans centers have also incorporated the practice into activities and medical appointments. Whether activities are focused on special needs children, athletic performance, weight management or healthy aging, practicing mindfulness in these and other areas can often be beneficial.

Clinical studies and trials have shown physical and mental health benefits in healthy children, adults and individuals of all ages whom were injured or ill. Research studies have also shown positive results with regards to the relationship between mental health and mindfulness. Like with the ability to calm psychiatric orders such as psychosis, there are many areas of the mental health community which are now incorporating meditation into daily routines.

Mindfulness is a practice which has also shown promise in eliminating other mental disorders through the elimination of rumination and worry. In addition, the development of conditions such as ADD, ODD, ADHD and other behavioral based disorders have been known to be halted when diagnosed early. While this is the case, individuals in these studies agreed to practice meditation and mindfulness on a regular basis and attend follow up sessions.

In order to get the most out of meditation, individuals must learn the skill of focusing only on activities and actions in the present moment. During the process, body scanning, breathing techniques and refocusing attention when drifting toward distractions or thoughts can often be helpful in reaching a mindful state. By locating a quiet setting, then sitting cross-legged on a floor, or sitting up straight in a chair with back support while repeating I am, on the inhale and relaxed on the exhale, individuals may find it easier to monitor breathing during meditative sessions.

By simply becoming aware of breathing patterns and rhythms, one is often placed into the present moment. Whereas, if using body scan techniques, meditation is focused on different areas of the body while noticing sensations in each area. Other techniques involve focusing on actions, feelings, thoughts, sensations and sounds which are present in the moment.

When it comes to length of meditative sessions or sitting in a mindful state, most do so for anywhere from ten to thirty minutes, with some sitting much longer periods. Generally, individuals whom sit for longer than thirty minutes are well seasoned at the practice and do so to clear the mind rather than work on achieving a mindful state. For, individuals whom can sit for an hour or more are most likely going to have a clear path to living in the present moment.




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