Mindfulness and religion
I am involved with mindfulness discussions at 7 Cups in the mindfulness community. I am also interested in religions of many kinds so if you care to share, I would be interested in hearing about your experience with mindffulness. I think a good place to start any thread discussing mindfulness is with a definition (found in Psychology Today) :
"Mindfulness is a state of active, open attention to the present. This state is described as observing one’s thoughts and feelings without judging them as good or bad."
- In your experience how is mindfulness involved with your religious / spiritual journey?
For me mindfulness is a good starting place for becoming aware of angry or frustrated thoughts, so I can avoid them taking over and causing damage in relationships.
This is a good starting place for me because I adhere to the belief that I am happier when other people are not harmed by me. Getting angry, really angry, just destroys my peace of mind until I finally admit to myself and sometimes to them, that I made a mistake. Then my happiness starts to seep back in.
@soulsings Is that all it’s good for?
@hopefulPond6108 mindfulness is good for living a life that is meaningful, fulfilling and full of joy. There may be more, I will let you know as I proceed to practice because mindfulness is something I practice continually in order to grow with mindfulness as a guide.
The more I practice, the more my mind - heart is content and concerned with others well being. Being concerned with others well being has brought me much happiness since I joined 7 Cups eight years ago.
Thanks @soulsings for all the work you do to help us learn how to be more mindful. I studied it a fair amount years ago and tried to practice meditating regularly. I only ever really was like half-good at it. More recently, I've been trying to center in my heart. Differentiate b/n my head and heart. I think it is so easy to get lost in our thinking. Instead, I just try to listen to my heart - what I feel, know, sense - and weight that a bit more than whatever I happen to be thinking at the time. I'm still learning! Thanks for helping us learn together 🙏
@GlenM good news for you!
In the east where mindfulness originated, mind does not mean the head, the word for mind means the heart. So keep doing what you are doing.
Hahaha what a great encouragement! Thank you!
@soulsings
Thank you for making this thread!
- In your experience how is mindfulness involved with your religious / spiritual journey?
I follow the teachings of Thich Nhat Hanh who put great focus on living mindfully. I've learned here at 7cups, a lot from you and from the teachings about mindful practises. They became the anchor I need when my emotions are overwhelming. I follow a daily practise and it helps me to stay much calmer, stable and also see things from various angles not only from one or two sides. Following the path of well-being gives me strength and hope for the future and beyond.
@amiablePeace77 glad you have a path that you follow that helps you stay balanced and at peace.