Benefits Of Mindfulness Training And Meditation

By Jerry Nelson


Most people have heard the term living in the now or living in the present moment. In most cases, this refers to the concept of Mindfulness Training. For, mindfulness is the psychological process which focuses on bringing attention to actions and experiences going on in the current moment in time.

While meditation is most often the tool used in mindfulness practices, there are also other training methods. The concept of the practice derived from sati, an ancient and significant aspect of Zen Buddhism and Tibetan meditation can often be found being practiced at Zen and yoga centers. Beginning in the 1970s, clinical psychology started adopting a number of applications related to the practice in relation to treating different psychological conditions.

In the 1970s, clinical psychologists began using the practice to treat a number of psychological conditions ranging from extreme anxiety and stress to psychosis. In fact, there were cases in which meditation and mindfulness were effective in cases where traditional medications and methods had failed. Whether focused on special needs, psychosis, weight management, athletic performance or healthy aging, the practice has often been successful.

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.

Mindfulness is a practice which has also shown promise in eliminating other mental disorders through the elimination of rumination and worry. In addition, the development of conditions such as ADD, ODD, ADHD and other behavioral based disorders have been known to be halted when diagnosed early. While this is the case, individuals in these studies agreed to practice meditation and mindfulness on a regular basis and attend follow up sessions.

In order to get the best benefits out of meditation and create a life of living in the now, it is important that individuals learn how to focus on actions and activities in the present moment. Whether using body scanning, breathing patterns and techniques or just sitting still and clearing the mind, individuals whom do so can often reach a mindful state.

By simply becoming aware of breathing patterns and rhythms, one is often placed into the present moment. Whereas, if using body scan techniques, meditation is focused on different areas of the body while noticing sensations in each area. Other techniques involve focusing on actions, feelings, thoughts, sensations and sounds which are present in the moment.

It is often recommended that newcomers to mindfulness and meditation begin with sessions of ten minutes or less per day. While this is the case, there are different types of meditation in which individuals attempt to clear the mind, contemplate and reflect on specific situations. Whereas, others prefer to sit outside in nature such as sitting by or in a creek, river or stream while allowing the sound of the running water to wash away any negative thoughts of experiences.




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