Mindfulness is a relatively simple process. Where one can focus in the present moment and notice occurrences without shifting attention, one is practicing “mindfulness”.
In some grammar schools, mindfulness is a type of “paying attention”. It is taught to children to provide a mechanism to quiet their hyperactivity and allow them to concentrate on a subject more easily.
There are specific courses in high schools and in undergraduate colleges also. My undergrad Alma Mater, The University of Toledo is offering free online classes for alumni. This university has specialized teachers and classes providing mindful education.
Success in Sports
All levels of sports teams are operating in a “mindful” state. Focus on the specific action of the game is the only intention for each and every player. Those who lose focus don’t last long on the team. I played women’s professional football in the 70’s (Toledo Troopers #34 Middle Linebacker). We played NFL rules and our team was undefeated. I learned serious focal points of reference such as being able to fully focus on the ball as it was snapped. Even though I was one of the smallest players on the team, I could “key”on the ball so quickly it made tackling the ball carrier much easier.
Graduate Schools
Simple mindfulness skills are taught to Juris Doctor students in order to help them more easily focus their attention; and handle the heavy work- load, and intense study protocols of top Law Schools. The University of Miami School of Law has developed a Mindfulness in Law Program. Scott Rogers, M.S., J.D. founded and directs the program. A few years ago, I attended a continuing legal education program he conducted in Tampa, FL.
When I was getting my Juris Doctor degree at Stetson University, College of Law there were no classes in mindfulness. I used many of my mental focus techniques learned from playing football to direct my clear and consistent attention.
Health and Wellness
Even the most simple mindful skill can change one’s life for the better. The most simple mindful focus can shift one’s physiology by:
- dropping blood pressure,
- lowering heart rate,
- increasing blood oxygen levels,
- reducing stress,
- decreasing emotional exhaustion,
- lessening conditions of depression and anxiety, and
- enhancing sleep.
Mindful Breathing
An easy activity is learning to breathe diaphragmatically. The word is more complicated than the process because diaphragmatic breathing is also called belly or abdominal breathing. This is the natural way our bodies are meant to breathe. Just watch a baby sleeping. Notice how the little tyke’s tummy rises and falls as she easily and calmly breathes deeply and slowly. Watching your dog or cat while sleeping is also instructive. I term this type of deep breathing as “full-body breathing”.
Why Breathe Mindfully?
Mindful breathing can help you lose weight. And, given the current obesity rate even if you are not overweight, I’ll bet you know someone who is. So, how do you lose weight through mindful full body breathing? Through Mindful Eating!
You won’t want to devour a huge portion of french fries where you pay attention to each bite, taste thoroughly, and feel when you are “full”. You’ll want to stop eating when you can actually feel that you are satiated. This is a cognitive adventure and it’s a lot of fun. Personally, I love eating when I’m hungry, and knowing when I’m satisfied. I’m not overweight. And, I’ve never been on a diet. The transition from Mindful breathing to eating is a relatively easy exercise.
Mindful Meditation
Simple skills applied with regularity is the method of acquiring mastery through the acquisition of more complex Mindful Meditation methods. More complex mindful meditation techniques are instrumental in forming transcendental structures, which can lead to spiritual awakening and connecting to a greater sense of purpose.
Secure Your Future
Whether you want to enhance your ability to focus calmly on specific tasks or subject matter; or prime yourself for a transformation to enlightenment, you can use MINDFULNESS to attain your goals.
This is why each of us needs a “mindfulness” daily practice NOW; not later, not when done with some other project…NOW.
Develop your own “mindfulness” and observe how powerful you are as you center into your own truth of being. Your transcendent beingness will enthrall, captivate, and delight you. Give yourself a chance. Place your bets, and bet on yourself. YOU CAN DO IT!
