The number of people who practice meditation has tripled since 2012 and it certainly shows no signs of slowing as more and more people realize the ample benefits they can achieve through the practice. One form of meditation that is often overlooked is mindfulness meditation.
While mindfulness meditation is often more difficult to understand and practice successfully, this guide will help you understand exactly what sets it apart and how you can adapt it to your meditation regime.
What Is Mindfulness Meditation?
Simply put, mindfulness meditation is a form of meditation that concentrates on combating the stress and anxiety of past events by allowing you to focus and work through the thoughts, sensations, and emotions you feel. While there are many similarities to regular meditation, mindfulness meditation also has many differences.
Similarities And Differences
Mindfulness is most certainly a form of meditation and is considered a type of “clear mind” meditation. Much of this form of meditation is focused on paying attention to the rhythm of your breath while you are sitting or the rhythm of your steps while you are walking.
Unlike the practice of meditation itself, mindfulness focused meditation is more of an aide to help with the process.
How Do I Start Practicing?
Most programs that teach mindfulness meditation base it around the concepts of being more aware of your present, while also decreasing your levels of reactivity and arousal to increase your state of calm. Whether you have just a few minutes or an hour or more to practice, here are some tips and tricks to incorporate it into your life:
- Meditate in a quiet, comfortable place. Whether you prefer meditating in a chair or on the floor, wear loose-fitting clothes while sitting with your back and neck straight.
- Focus on your present mindset without falling into thoughts of the past or future.
- Focus on how your breathing feels as the air moves in and out of your body. Breathe in from your nose and out through your mouth.
- Feel every thought and emotion flow through you as you breathe – never try to ignore them. Use your breath to keep you grounded in present thoughts.
- If you stray in your thoughts, reflect as to why you did and continue breathing. Never judge yourself for your mind wandering.
- When you finish your mindfulness meditation, allow yourself to gather your bearings for a while.
How Does Qigong Fit Into Mindfulness Meditation?
Much like mindfulness meditation, the art of Qigong focuses heavily on learning how to master your breathing to provide you with many benefits. With Qigong breathing techniques, you focus on breathing from your stomach to create a circular breath pattern that allows you to connect yourself with nature and find balance. Here are some of the many benefits incorporating Qigong into your mindfulness meditation:
Belly Breathing
Qigong helps your mindfulness meditation as it allows you to focus wholly on the present without becoming distracted by the thoughts of your past or future. More so, belly breathing works much like a massage does for your muscles, but instead for your organs. As the blood circulation increases within your body, it helps to tone and flex your organs.
Time
Much like the practice of mindfulness meditation, the time you spend with Qigong is completely determined by the amount of time you can dedicate. It does not matter if you have an hour on a Sunday but only 10 minutes during the week – any practice of the two will prove to be beneficial. The idea is to get to a level where you are always able to breathe like this and focus on the present.
Discover Healing With Supreme Science Qigong Center
Whether you would rather practice mindfulness meditation and Qigong lying down or sitting up, the Supreme Science Qigong Center has packages and series that are sure to help you reach your full energy potential. If you have questions or would like to learn more about the Qi Revolution, call us today at 1-800-298-8970.