Why Mindfulness?

What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness involves awakening to present moment awareness with gentle curiosity, and it can be fostered through practices such as meditation and yoga.  

We suffer because of our human tendency to cling to what is pleasant, and resist what is unpleasant. This clinging and aversion is rooted in our delusions about reality. We fail to perceive that the only constant aspect of reality is change.  Reality is always becoming something else: it is impermanent and in flux.  

Meditation can provide us with a way of seeing past our conceptions and expectations about the world. It also can create an expanded heart, through development of the qualities of compassion, loving-kindness, sympathetic joy, and equanimity.  These are capacities that can help us to go through even the most difficult circumstances with courage, serenity, and wisdom.

How can a Teacher help?

Meditation practices seem deceptively simple; however, there are powerful hindrances which can block us from present moment awareness.  Thus, the steady guidance of a teacher can be an essential part of our practice.

What are the Benefits?

Eastern philosophies such as Buddhism have promoted the use of practices which develop mindfulness for thousands of years. There is a tremendous amount of experiential evidence in support of the benefits of meditation.  However, in recent years Western scientific research has been confirming that meditation can change both the structure and the functioning of the brain in positive ways. Some of these positive changes include:

• Increased ability to pay attention to what is arising and falling, both internally and externally. This type of self-awareness and self-monitoring is an essential foundational capacity for mature social-emotional functioning. “The purpose of mindfulness meditation is to become mindful throughout all parts of our life, so that we’re awake, present and openhearted in everything we do.” - Tara Brach
   
• Increased ability to allow, accept , and perhaps even embrace what is arising and falling in the present moment. This can build the capacity to respond with discernment, rather than react harshly out of fear, hurt, shame, or other challenging mind-state.  Note:  for individuals with Mental Health Issues including Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, this may require intensive work with a qualified therapist.
   
• Increased ability to engage skillfully and compassionately with others, including development of a growth mindset in regards to conflict situations.  Conflict is an unavoidable part of life, and can be a growth opportunity for all involved, if it is skillfully addressed.  Mindfulness can provide us with the capacity to have serenity in the midst of the storm of life.
   
• Increased ability to work towards change, both internally and externally, with compassion towards self and others, and insight (wisdom).