Benefits Of Mindfulness Training And Meditation

By Jerry Nelson


Most everyone at one time or another has heard of being in the present moment or living in the now. Most often, this type of practice refers to Mindfulness Training. For, the practice is the psychological aspect of focusing on activities and actions in the present.

Most often, individuals whom wish to attain a mindful state in the moment use meditation as a tool to do so. For, regardless of a meditation schedule, individuals can practice meditation at any given time or place. Whereas, the concept of mindfulness is actually based on ancient Zen Buddhist and Tibetan meditation.

In the 1970s, a group of clinical psychologists started using the practice to treat psychological conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, alcohol and drug addiction. As a result, a number of senior citizen centers, veterans halls, prisons, hospitals and schools now incorporate meditation into exercise and other routines. Whether part of an ongoing monthly calendar event or, a special event, these meditative sessions have shown promise when it comes to weight management, athletic performance, healthy aging and other areas.

Studies and trials have shown that children and adults of all ages tend to benefit whether in a healthy, ill or injured state. Whereas, research studies have also indicated positive results associated with mindfulness and psychological health. In fact, one area in which the practice has shown great promise is in treating psychosis, a condition in which more traditional methods and medications have often failed.

Worry and rumination are other areas in which the practice has shown great promise. For, studies have also shown the practice having the ability to halt the development of ODD, ADD, ADHD and other behavioral issues when caught early. As such, studies and trials in this area are now underway to determine whether or not the practice may be able to prevent these conditions in the future.

In order to get the most out of meditation, individuals must learn the skill of focusing only on activities and actions in the present moment. During the process, body scanning, breathing techniques and refocusing attention when drifting toward distractions or thoughts can often be helpful in reaching a mindful state. By locating a quiet setting, then sitting cross-legged on a floor, or sitting up straight in a chair with back support while repeating I am, on the inhale and relaxed on the exhale, individuals may find it easier to monitor breathing during meditative sessions.

When in tune with breathing patterns, an individual can often focus more clearly on the present moment. Whereas, when using body scanning techniques, individuals are working in the moment though paying attention to sensations in different parts of the body. While these are often the most common, others focus on sounds, sensations, thoughts, feelings and actions during a session to help focus attention.

When it comes to length of meditative sessions or sitting in a mindful state, most do so for anywhere from ten to thirty minutes, with some sitting much longer periods. Generally, individuals whom sit for longer than thirty minutes are well seasoned at the practice and do so to clear the mind rather than work on achieving a mindful state. For, individuals whom can sit for an hour or more are most likely going to have a clear path to living in the present moment.




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