| Mindfulness meditation is a process that can help you | | | | It also helps to use what is called the "anchor." This is |
| get in touch with yourself and your mind. This practice, | | | | an object that can be focused on, in order to help you |
| a series of meditation techniques and philosophy, | | | | clear your mind. Some doctors have used physical |
| descends from Buddhist teachings. Basically, | | | | objects (remember the old swinging clock?) though a |
| mindfulness involves having a total awareness of one's | | | | more modern anchor is a concentrated series of |
| self, their mind and body and consciousness, as well as | | | | breaths. If you become aware of your breathing, and |
| having a completely open and curious mindset. Most | | | | focus deeply on the sensation of the air moving in and |
| importantly, mindfulness involves slowing the mind | | | | out of your body, as well as the rising and falling of |
| down so as to be aware only of the immediate | | | | your belly, and you really focus on all these physical |
| present. Before attaining this mindset, one must clear | | | | processes, then this can be your anchor. |
| away all thoughts of distraction. | | | | Do not try and ignore other thoughts and distractions |
| How can you start doing this? Start by finding a quiet | | | | because this will involve too much fighting. On the |
| and comfortable place to relax. You don't have to lie | | | | contrary, let the thought come and go and concentrate |
| down; in fact, you can sit in a chair or on the floor. | | | | on remaining calm. Eventually you will start to feel this |
| Keep your head, neck and back straight, but do not | | | | completeness and calmness. After it passes, sit still for |
| tighten up. Now it's time to try and relax. Remove all | | | | about two minutes and let yourself become aware of |
| distractions from your mind, everything related to the | | | | where you are. Return to routine gradually, slowing |
| past and future. Live in the present and let your mind | | | | things down. Guided mindfulness meditation will help |
| become only aware of the immediate present. | | | | improve many aspects of your life. |