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Is Mindfulness the Same as Meditation?

Some people say that mindfulness is the a type of meditation. Some say that meditation is a type of mindfulness. Both are true. Mindfulness is simply present-moment awareness, so it can be done in the format of sitting meditation, or it can be done in everyday activity such as walking, eating, or exercising. From thatContinue reading “Is Mindfulness the Same as Meditation?”

What is the Difference Between Formal and Informal Mindfulness Practice?

Formal practice is the soil, and informal practice is the harvest that comes out of the soil. Formal mindfulness practice is the time we set aside each day to practice the formal mindfulness technique – bringing our attention to the present moment, bringing our attention to the breath. When our mind wanders, we notice theContinue reading “What is the Difference Between Formal and Informal Mindfulness Practice?”

How Do I Practice with Grief, Loss, and Sadness?

We experience grief when there is loss in our lives. There are many types of loss: Loss of a loved one, a relationship, an identity, an object, a community. It can also be loss of vitality, loss of health, loss of a particular way of life. Grief is a process through which we come toContinue reading “How Do I Practice with Grief, Loss, and Sadness?”

Why Do I Feel Like I’m Starting All Over Sometimes?

After we have put in some time with mindfulness practice and have been practicing for a while, we have a certain sense of how things will go when we meditate. But sometimes, when our life is hectic, stressful, or challenging, we might find ourselves sitting down to meditate and having a hard time with theContinue reading “Why Do I Feel Like I’m Starting All Over Sometimes?”

How is Mindfulness Different From Relaxation?

Many people find that practicing mindfulness meditation makes them feel more relaxed. Some even say that it’s the only time they feel relaxed. Some have even noted that, with regular and sustained mindfulness practice, they are feeling more relaxed than they ever have. So is mindfulness meditation the same as relaxation techniques? Although there areContinue reading “How is Mindfulness Different From Relaxation?”

How Do I Tune Things Out?

Many of us come to a practice like mindfulness meditation to help us find some space to breathe, to relax, and to just be. When we sit down to do meditation, we quickly discover that there are many things pulling at us from different directions. Thoughts, distractions, tension, pain, discomfort, worries, complaints – the listContinue reading “How Do I Tune Things Out?”

How is Letting Go Different from Suppression?

We’ve all seen pictures of meditators looking serene and calm, like nothing bothers them. In pop culture, there’s an image of meditation being a “special place” where we are free from negative thoughts and emotions. But that is simply a myth. When we first start practicing mindfulness meditation, we naturally think we’re supposed to getContinue reading “How is Letting Go Different from Suppression?”

Why Should I Let Go of Judgment?

In mindfulness practice, we are often advised to “let go of our judgment.” We are supposed to practice “nonjudgment,” whatever that means! A common question that comes up is: “But why is judgment a bad thing?” It’s a fair question. Judgment is not necessarily a bad thing. Indeed, we rely on our judgment to getContinue reading “Why Should I Let Go of Judgment?”

Does Mindfulness Help with Relationships?

“Mindfulness is giving me the tools to look at life through other people’s eyes.” Many mindfulness practitioners note that their practice helps improve their relationships: “Mindfulness helps me take a step back, and breathe.” “I’m less impatient with my kids.” “I’m less irritable.” “There’s much less anger.” “My wife tells me I’m less of anContinue reading “Does Mindfulness Help with Relationships?”

How Do I Work with Anger?

Anger is a common human emotion, like sadness, happiness, disgust, and fear. Anger has a few different flavors. On one end of the spectrum, there’s fiery rage and seething anger. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s frustration and impatience, which are more subtle forms of anger. Anger has negative effects on both intrapersonalContinue reading “How Do I Work with Anger?”