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Daily Mindfulness Check-in 23rd September 2020

User Profile: LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS September 23rd, 2020

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Hi mindfulness community!

How are you all? :) I hope you are all well!

A few things, I was thinking of holding a discussion in October and wanted your suggestions as to what would be a good topic. I will then ask Rumple and the mindfulness leaders to choose one at random. I love spending time with you all and would love your suggestions!

Today I wanted to practice mindful breathing with you all:

Mindful Breathing

The most basic way to do mindful breathing is simply to focus your attention on your breath, the inhale and exhale. You can do this while standing, but ideally youll be sitting or even lying in a comfortable position. Your eyes may be open or closed, but you may find it easier to maintain your focus if you close your eyes. It can help to set aside a designated time for this exercise, but it can also help to practice it when youre feeling particularly stressed or anxious. Experts believe a regular practice of mindful breathing can make it easier to do it in difficult situation which works by releasing stress from your body.

Sometimes, especially when trying to calm yourself in a stressful moment or a time that feels uncomfortable, it might help to start by taking an exaggerated breath: a deep inhale through your nostrils (3 seconds), hold your breath (2 seconds), and a long exhale through your mouth (4 seconds). Please do what feels comfortable to you as we are all different. Otherwise, simply observe each breath without trying to adjust it; it may help to focus on the rise and fall of your chest or the sensation through your nostrils. As you do so, you may find that your mind wanders, distracted by thoughts or bodily sensations. Thats okay. Just notice that this is happening and gently bring your attention back to your breath.

Find a relaxed, comfortable position. You could be seated on a chair or on the floor on a cushion. Keep your back upright, but not too tight. Hands resting wherever theyre comfortable. Tongue on the roof of your mouth or wherever its comfortable.

Notice and relax your body. Try to notice the shape of your body, its weight. Let yourself relax and become curious about your body seated here—the sensations it experiences, the touch, the connection with the floor or the chair. Relax any areas of tightness or tension. Just breathe.

Tune into your breath. Feel the natural flow of breath—in, out. You dont need to do anything to your breath. Not long, not short, just natural. Notice where you feel your breath in your body. It might be in your abdomen. It may be in your chest or throat or in your nostrils. See if you can feel the sensations of breath, one breath at a time. When one breath ends, the next breath begins.

Be kind to your wandering mind. Now as you do this, you might notice that your mind may start to wander. You may start thinking about other things. If this happens, it is not a problem. Its very natural. Just notice that your mind has wandered. You can say thinking or wandering in your head softly. And then gently redirect your attention right back to the breathing.

Stay here for five to seven minutes. Notice your breath, in silence. From time to time, youll get lost in thought, then return to your breath.

Check in before you check out. After a few minutes, once again notice your body, your whole body, seated here. Let yourself relax even more deeply and then offer yourself some appreciation for doing this practice today.

How did it feel?

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User Profile: soulsings
soulsings September 23rd, 2020

I notice that my mind does tend to put out thoughts even when I am relaxed. I try not to judge them but bring my attention back to the breath. It is amazing how active the mind is when I stop and become aware of this moment.

Not everyone has 7 minutes so the STOP method is a 10 second mindfulness exercise to connect to the breath and return to the moment. It is explained more fully here https://youtu.be/WaszqhPCWX0

User Profile: 7motivation
7motivation September 23rd, 2020

@LisaDeRegtMBPsS

Regarding your... thinking of holding a discussion in October and wanted your suggestions as to what would be a good topic.

Here are my suggestions:

Topic idea: mindfulness and habits... as in...
The Here-and-Now Habit - How Mindfulness Can Help You Break Unhealthy Habits Once and for All, By Hugh G. Byrne 2016 https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Here_and_Now_Habit/aVyfCwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=0

The book has some great supplementary audio files that walk a person through the questions they can ask themselves to use mindfulness to change their mindset and deal with the habit as it is being eliminated (like an MI approach.)

Topic idea: mindfulness and overthinking... as in..
https://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:8o3VcHl8R5sJ:https://medium.com/kaizen-habits/to-improve-mental-clarity-and-think-better-spend-less-time-in-your-head-c14684c2e03c&hl=en&gl=us&strip=1&vwsrc=0

Topic idea: mindfulness vs. mindlessness... as in...
"Mindfulness" book by Prof. Ellen Langer. Here's a book summary
https://www.butler-bowdon.com/ellen-langer---mindfulness-choice-and-control-in-everyday-life.html
Here's an interview: https://onbeing.org/programs/ellen-langer-science-of-mindlessness-and-mindfulness-nov2017/

Topic idea: mindfulness by slowing down... as in...
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/get-out-your-mind/201904/don-t-meditation-try-instead
Also by using temporary strategic pauses instead.

Topic idea: mindfulness and depression... as in...
https://nicertube.com/2wpxv6 (trigger alert)

Topic idea: possible negative effects of mindfulness... as in...
https://health.spectator.co.uk/what-mindfulness-gurus-dont-tell-you-meditation-has-a-dark-side/

1 reply
User Profile: LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS OP September 25th, 2020

@7motivation

Wow what excellent suggestions!! :) Thank you!!

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User Profile: RumpleSteeleSkin
RumpleSteeleSkin September 25th, 2020

@LisaDeRegtMBPsS thanks Lisa for this great post. I saw the pic and new right away....breathe in and out relax........even before I was readingsmileyI really needed this now as I have been non stop in everything I am doing in my life including the site stuff. So it felt good to slow down..........

We teach our lil ones depending on age to sit for 2 minutes. 3 minutes. 4 minutes- and so on. Some 5 years olds can focus on something for 10 minutes! Wowzers. So training and being confident in what we do, do a plan in making mindfulness part of our every day is not to hard. It is something so new and many call it weirdo or unconmfie. I wish everyone the best in trying this and learning more things that you feel comfortable with.heart

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User Profile: LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS OP September 25th, 2020

@RumpleSteeleSkin

Rumple!! So great to see you and I hope all is well with you, your human family members and your little zoo of animal family members :) Ah, the photo is so serene isn't it? I look forward to a discussion with you as always so if you have any suggestions please let me know. :)

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User Profile: RumpleSteeleSkin
RumpleSteeleSkin September 26th, 2020

@LisaDeRegtMBPsS hahahaha you made me smile! Whatever the community would like -Im with you! I also want to share I appreciate you on this team as well as what you do for the communityhearthuggles

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User Profile: LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS
LisaMeighanMScGMBPsS OP September 28th, 2020

@RumpleSteeleSkin

Awww! I appreciate you too Rumple. You are an insightful and passionate person that brings a lot of hope to so many lives and kindness! I could go on and thank YOU for what you do!

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