Living in the Mindful Zone
Mindfulness meditation was introduced to me by Tween when he was then only 7. Cynically, I thought that it was something hip and trendy to get young children, especially little boys to learn how to remain physically still, like mini Robots in busy classrooms. It seemed to work, but slowly, our children grow out of their wriggly phases, so could not perceive a direct effect.
Eventually, I thought I had nothing to lose but to give it a go and see what all the fuss was about ‘living in the present moment’. Nearly 4 years later, I cannot advocate it enough however, I do appreciate that it may not work for everyone. But, what does living in mindfulness mean? This could be highly subjective and I doubt there will be just one definition that fits. Personally, it brings a quality of calm, and near-zero reaction to emotional triggers, which by Jove we do need when we raise children.
One becomes more of an observer with heightened awareness with the ability to see things with a different perspective. It can bring more patience, clarity and definitely more focus and above-all this stoic resilience to take a non-reactionary stance makes one feel more at ease with life’s challenges. It helps you find your centre and inner-calm. Flower Angel and Tween are both adepts and I have to say that their awareness of their emotions is pretty powerful. Tween’s ability to express himself perhaps helps me to become a better parent and helps me to consciously guide both better as I have developed better listening skills to my children’s needs.
However, as with everything in life, I do have many questions and views.
As mindfulness teaches us to live in the present, does it eventually bring healing, enlightenment or can it awaken us?
Does it feed the soul and the spiritual body as we learn to appreciate and live in the ‘Now’?
Can it helps us connect with our inner self and help build meaningful soul connections?
Does it help us shed the old beliefs system and rigid thinking?
I think pretty much it can, but of course one cannot view it as ‘One size fits all’; what works for some individuals does not work for others. However, critics may raise the question as to whether mindfulness makes us selfish as most practitioners would choose to stay away from people who no longer vibe and they often learn to develop more of a non-attachment stance.
I feel that adopting non-attachment does not mean that we no longer care, but I believe that it makes us evaluate who or what is important and who or what is less, who and what nourishes us and who or what drains our energy. It gives us a sense of empowerment as we protect our fragile auric fields and raise our ability to focus on people and things that truly matter. We learn to ditch the noisy mind, the constant chatter as we learn to let go. We learn to let go of people and situations that no longer serve us or help us achieve our higher purpose.
I personally believe that mindfulness and meditation help us to improve at manifesting as we become better connected with the Divine. As we learn to let go of situations that no longer serve us, we learn to attract and manifest better for us. Perhaps we learn to see more beauty around us rather than just doom and gloom. However, I don't see mindfulness as only a means of letting negative thoughts go, I feel it makes one better equipped to deal with them in a place of calm and observation, without marginalizing feelings and emotions. Our journeys will always present a dose of negativity and moments of sadness but perhaps mindfulness helps us learn to build resilience.
Are there right or wrong in mindfulness practices? Is there a right or wrong in living in a mindful zone? Absolutely no, as there is no judgement on the quality of any practice, no right amount of time or length of practice. To the uninitiated, I would describe mindfulness as learning to be still and being present whilst letting go of thoughts. I cannot pretend to be a pro or an advanced meditator. Personally, I believe that there is no race and no final aim as it is continuous learning and growing. There are no certificates or prizes to be won as it is an ongoing learning journey for most practitioners and advocates.
Enjoy being in the mindful zone when you feel ready for it and enjoy being in the moment. Keep practising within your stride.
