When we\u2019re looking for a quick fix to switch off from the world, a lie down with a sleep meditation may do the trick. But this is not Mindfulness at its most powerful.<\/p>\n
In<\/span> Mindfulness,<\/span> we <\/span>neither<\/span> <\/span>fight<\/span> for a <\/span>mind empty of thoughts nor just<\/span> <\/span>passively<\/span> <\/span>switch off and <\/span>\u2018<\/span>relax<\/span>\u2019<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>Instead, <\/span>we are working constantly to notice everything our minds are picking up on, from sensations such as sounds and the breath<\/span> <\/span>to internal stimuli such as emotions and thoughts.<\/span> W<\/span>hen noticing these<\/span> we take a step back, <\/span>neither<\/span> pushing away <\/span>nor<\/span> <\/span>pursuing<\/span> <\/span>the<\/span> chain reaction that <\/span>so often follows<\/span> in our mind.<\/span> <\/span>The reality, though, is that we won\u2019t manage this for very long at all before realising we have become distracted<\/span> \u2013<\/span> and w<\/span>e <\/span>then <\/span>berate ourselves for<\/span> thi<\/span>s.<\/span><\/p>\n Here\u2019s the thing though<\/span>: <\/span>even <\/span>by noticing this judgement <\/span>we<\/span> are doing mindfulness.<\/span> <\/span>And with this observation comes the realisation that all there is to <\/span>be achieved by beating <\/span>ourselves<\/span> up about <\/span>our<\/span> wandering mind<\/span>s<\/span> is a delay <\/span>in returning<\/span> to <\/span>m<\/span>indful awareness<\/span>. So<\/span>,<\/span> we<\/span> notice the distraction<\/span> and <\/span>notice the judgement<\/span>. <\/span>Now for the real workout: <\/span>however long it took <\/span>us<\/span> to do <\/span>this, <\/span>the best <\/span>and most courageous <\/span>thing <\/span>we can <\/span>do no<\/span>w<\/span> and every time <\/span>we<\/span> become distracted<\/span> <\/span>is to return to<\/span> this breath<\/span>, <\/span>with no consideration given to<\/span> the last one<\/span> or to<\/span> the next<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Mindfulness<\/span>-based<\/span> <\/span>meditation <\/span>does not have to be relaxing in itself: it <\/span>is a workout for the mind<\/span>. <\/span>Nevertheless, <\/span>just as a feeling of relaxation may result from <\/span>a <\/span>physical <\/span>workout<\/span>, so too is it a benefit of <\/span>Mindfulness<\/span>.<\/span> <\/span>But again, just as with physical exercise, by<\/span> <\/span>training<\/span> <\/span>our<\/span> muscle of observation and self-compassion <\/span>we<\/span> build up skills and benefits <\/span>which<\/span> extend <\/span>far beyond <\/span>immediate relaxation<\/span>. <\/span>We learn to respond rather than react to difficult situations. We learn to be more emotionally present with<\/span> the people we care most about. <\/span>We learn that thoughts are not facts and can be allowed to pass by without engaging in a wrestling match with them. <\/span>We learn to be more self-aware of our boundaries and limits, and kind to ourselves when considering them.<\/span><\/p>\n As we learn to sit and observe our thoughts, sensations, and emotions for longer periods of time, <\/span>Mindfulness <\/span>becomes <\/span>far more than <\/span>a magical tool for <\/span>falling asleep: it is <\/span>an<\/span> exercise in <\/span>waking up<\/span>.<\/span><\/p>\n Written by Joshua Stevens, third year student, 3.11.21<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you\u2019d like to comment on or contribute to a podcast or article for Student Services, email us at StudentServicesWeb@kent.ac.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n Check out further articles on <\/span><\/span>Support and Wellbeing<\/span><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"