Meditation and Mindfulness
Mindfulness practice is about focusing on and being awake to the present moment. The simplicity of what is happening and being experienced right now. Very often we are lost in thought, about the past, the future, our problems, our emotions. Through the practice we develop tools to bring ourselves back to now, the simple experience of this instant.
The benefits of mindfulness and meditation are manyfold. Scientific studies have shown that blood pressure can be reduced, stress hormones lowered, inflammation as a result of stress can be mitigated, depressive feelings can be come to terms with as a result of feelings of greater self acceptance, increased levels of vitality, the list goes on. To learn and use the practice is a no-brainer really and once we are established in a committed practice and have experienced the benefits it brings, it becomes as important as the food we eat. In a very real way it is nourishment for the mind and soul. Calmness, peace, open heartedness, connection to a deep inner source, self compassion and compassion for others, increased empathy and understanding are more accessible to us.
Carrying out Mindfulness practice and meditation takes a little effort and becomes easier with time. Its like exercising an unused muscle, its gets stronger with use.
Our ability to observe the contents of our mind increases and we can even begin to choose the thoughts that support our wellbeing and health. This is no small benefit as we spend quite a lot of time actually believing the contents of our minds define us as people. In fact it is quite true that we are what we believe we are, its just that many of our beliefs are subconciously held. Mindfulness and Meditation help us to bring limiting beliefs to light, unravel them, and begin to become less dense in our self-definition. We become lighter, take ourselves less seriously. These simple practices are well worth investing some of our valuable time and life energy in.
Tomas has been carrying out Mindfulness and Meditation practices for more that 25 years through a School of Self Realisation and in the tradition of Thich Nhat Hahn, with monks from Plum Village and through Daoist Qi Gong and Nei Gong retreats. He has also engaged in retreats with Gregory Kramer in Insight Dialogue. He has participated in countless retreats in these traditions and shares his experience in classes and retreats. If you would like to have a class or retreat in your area please enquire via the contact page.