I often meet people who say things like, "I've been working on mindfulness for over twenty years."
My response is always this: "Oh, you poor thing! Have you tried *playing* with mindfulness? It's very effective, and much more fun!"
They tend to look at me like I'm some kind of kook, and then ask the million-dollar question: "How can you play with mindfulness?" Glad you asked....
We tend to think of mindfulness as something that develops only after years of dedicated meditation. We must sit for hours, contemplate in silence for days, go on retreats for weeks, practice daily for years. Okay, that can work.
The unfortunate thing is that it IS work, and consequently, it's about as appealing to most folks as lying on a bed of nails. Sure, they want to develop a clearer perspective on life. Yes, they want to become calm and contemplative. Of course they want to live more meaningfully and with greater joy. But does it have to be so hard?
Absolutely not. You see, while most people knock politely on that front door of meditation in order to get inside the House of Mindfulness, I like to sneak people in the back door to steal a few cookies. Why can't we play with mindfulness, dance with it, treat it like our favorite goofy cousin who happens to be brilliant instead of our strict uncle who happens to have a Ph.D?
Why can't we tiptoe toward mindfulness through eyes-wide-open exercises that are engaging, uplifting, informative, and--dare I say it--fun?
Mindfulness should be like a big game of mental hide-and-seek: "Where am I now? Gotcha!"
As a student of Buddhism for nearly 30 years, I have the greatest respect for the Buddha and the philosophy that developed around his teachings. I have tremendous admiration for those who have dedicated themselves to a regular meditation practice.
But it's disturbing to me that mindfulness is seen as "belonging" to Buddhism and that meditation is seen as the only vehicle that will take us there. This sounds a bit like, oh, attachment? Clinging, perhaps?
I just can't find it in my heart to believe that the Buddha would be ticked off about the idea of developing mindfulness in whatever way works best.
Not everyone likes the idea of meditation, but here's the cool part: those who start off with easy, enjoyable exercises often find themselves seeing the value in sitting still. In fact, many clients say they'd never have started with meditation, but they so enjoyed "playing" with mindfulness that they have begun a regular sitting practice!
Sneaky? Sure, but that's part of playing. Fun--in whatever form that takes--is what keeps us going back for more. If you're not grinning, you're not winning in this big ol' game of life. If "working" on mindfulness isn't working for you, try playing instead.
Throw open the doors. Let your inner monk go out and play. It's recess!
Maya Talisman Frost is a mind masseuse in Portland, Oregon. Through her company, Real-World Mindfulness Training, she offers creative and powerful eyes-wide-open alternatives to meditation. To subscribe to her free weekly ezine, the Friday Mind Massage, please visit http://www.MassageYourMind.com.
To put it simply, the act of meditation involves quieting... Read More
Are you stuck eating lunch at your desk again?Lucky you.You... Read More
Before I started meditating several years ago with CDs using... Read More
I've counseled many people from every background and led workshops... Read More
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-Secret #1:The True Purpose of Meditation=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- Many people feel a... Read More
Some of the greatest benefits for me have been my... Read More
Hello, sample some of the arguments below. But mind you,... Read More
There is growing interest to exercise your brain using something... Read More
There are many methods of meditation that can lead to... Read More
Artificial sweeteners are developed in organic chemistry labs. Stevia grows... Read More
The problem with meditation is attachment.We get in the habit... Read More
The subconscious is a scarey thing to comtemplate for some... Read More
The behavior of pain was enigmatic. Its responses were strange.... Read More
You can be the creator of your own manifest destiny.... Read More
Scientific research has shown that the most beneficial meditation technique... Read More
It is impossible to overstate the importance of daily meditation.... Read More
If you want to get hold of a particular tea... Read More
Meditation is healthy, safe and affordable. In fact it's free.... Read More
Meditation presents an interesting paradox. It requires humility and acceptance,... Read More
Transformational Counseling is about assisting others to transform their life.... Read More
These are two very powerful tools for self-improvement, but how... Read More
People are often so discouraged about the results of their... Read More
When I first started learning about deep breathing exercises and... Read More
The following exercise program has been designed to get the... Read More
Everyone's mind needs a little downtime. We all need time... Read More
Personally I belief that it is possible for anyone to... Read More
You have the ability to create your own mind-set. Whether... Read More
Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile.... Read More
It is an unfortunate reality that society has inadvertently categorized... Read More
Breathe in through your nose and draw your breath down... Read More
Throughout history, meditation has been an integral part of many... Read More
Maybe learning to meditate intimidates you, and in any case... Read More
There are many different styles of meditation, so which one... Read More
You have the ability to create your own mind-set. Whether... Read More
I remember when I started trying to meditate. I would... Read More
The following exercise program has been designed to get the... Read More
As a co-active coach, one of the underlying principles that... Read More
White noise is: A sound containing a blend of all... Read More
Meditation is often misunderstood by those who do not practice... Read More
It's important to establish a daily practice and then stick... Read More
Are you stuck eating lunch at your desk again?Lucky you.You... Read More
What kind of picture comes to mind when someone mention... Read More
Meditation is a form of relaxing and a method to... Read More
Learning To Be In The MomentImagine thinking clearly, and feeling... Read More
Breathing in, I calm my body. Breathing out, I smile.... Read More
Maybe learning to meditate intimidates you, and in any case... Read More
Why Should You Meditate?What if you could close your eyes,... Read More
There is growing interest to exercise your brain using something... Read More
The purpose of this article is to provide information on... Read More
Try Not To Force Things Too MuchOften, when meditating, we... Read More
Is Meditation Too Much Time And Trouble?If you haven't meditated... Read More
When we try to learn a new skill or try... Read More
Some of the greatest benefits for me have been my... Read More
Throughout history, meditation has been an integral part of many... Read More
If you're someone who loves to meditate (or wants to... Read More
Is reality a projection from within the mind, or is... Read More
Are you still looking? For Love? Self-Worth? To know, truly... Read More
(Authors Note: Before reading this you should see my other... Read More
Before I started meditating several years ago with CDs using... Read More
What are you likely to gain from meditating?Simple:? It improves... Read More
Helping the broadest range of people attain enlightenment through meditation... Read More
I've counseled many people from every background and led workshops... Read More
I'd like to share a little secret about relaxation techniques... Read More
People are often so discouraged about the results of their... Read More
I often meet people who say things like, "I've been... Read More
How To Defend YourselfDo you ever find yourself feeling overwhelmed?... Read More
Meditation |