PRESENT MOMENT REMINDERS

2017-06-04 09.49.18-1Do you feel frustrated by not being present much of the time? Do you wish you could be present between meditations! Here’s a practice that might help:
Before all routines, such as switching off your alarm, getting up, going through a doorway, walking along a hall-way to the bathroom, washing, cleaning teeth etc., respectfully allow the stream of thought forms to recede into the background whilst you notice the ‘is’ness’ of your experience. No need to stop anything and put your ‘meditation’ face on or force any state of mind – just notice your direct experience whilst doing these things. If in doubt, notice that you can notice, and continue noticing anyway!
What are the benefits, why should we bother?  You probably already know the benefits and the transformative power of now. You probably have much of the theory Behind ‘mindfulness’ and ‘awakening’.  However, what sometimes keeps us unconscious is not the lack of knowledge but too much knowledge – or relying on knowledge to think our way to awareness!

We analyse and conceptualise everything because we’re addicted to control.

When we are thinking about ‘our life’,  we are not consciously living it – but it gives us the illusion of being in control for a little while. Whether we see ourselves as winners or losers – it’s all the same delusion – there is no such thing as either, in reality.

The meek shall inherit the Earth, not ‘the winners’ (or ‘the losers’). All that effort to get stuff or power or even happines adds up to nothing more than a hill of beans in the final analysis. ‘For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world and lose his own soul?’ Mark 8:36. If your mind kicks in with – does that mean I have to sell my new car’ – perhaps you are still craving control – it may or may not mean that!

Open your heart (notice you can notice – you are not just your thought forms). Open your ears. Open all of your senses. Notice you are a soul (alive, living, here, now). Perhaps you could pause being aware for a moment and think this:
S-stop, O-open, U-up to L-life (SOUL),
re-read the quote again from Mark above – then let your mind do what it usually does whilst you simply notice your experience.

Congratulations, you have inherited the Earth!

The great mystery of life is revealed when we connect consciously with our experience – or more accurately, life ceases to be a mystery as we touch the face of . . . whatever the source of the universe is for you. Namaste. 😀🙏🏼😀

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Mindful Eating

Mindful eating – intentionally eating consciously, is a great way to develop an awareness of the present moment. When we slow right down and really appreciate the tastes and smells of the food we eat rather than rushing it down to get somewhere else, we suddenly notice how being in the here now, is a totally different experience.

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What is mindful eating?

Mindful eating is being fully attentive to the experience of eating and taste, being aware of the flavour, texture, colour, and aroma of the food or drink we consume. We become aware of the whole process of eating, paying attention to all the sensations involved avoiding any tendency to criticise or judge ourselves in any way. When our mind becomes distracted, we gently redirect our attention back to the sensations of eating.

Simple steps

  1. Avoid distractions such as watching TV or looking at your phone at the same time as eating
  2. Hold the food – touch it if practical, feels its texture, notice its colour, its density, its properties – is it sticky, smooth or hard? Really be with the food as opposed to being distracted by what’s going on in your head.
  3. As soon as you notice your mind wander, gently redirect it’s attention back to being aware of the food
  4. Bring the food towards your mouth and your nose. Notice any aroma. Notice your digestive system creating saliva in readiness for the food. Take your time – don’t rush it.
  5. Take a bite or a mouthful and savour its taste. Again, take your time, move it around your mouth. Notice its texture, its properties. Be with the taste as if you have never tasted this food before. Allow curiosity, avoid association, be with the food in the present moment.
  6. Notice the whole process of swallowing the food, the feel of it passing down your oesophagus into your stomach. Notice the feeling of satisfaction. Does your mind want more? Observe your thoughts but let them go.
  7. Now, eat the rest of the food in a similar way, taking your time and being wholly with the experience of eating.
The Centre For Mindful Eating http://www.thecenterformindfuleating.org/
The Guardian Article http://gu.com/p/3q84t/sbl
Am I Hungry? http://amihungry.com/what-is-mindful-eating/
Huffington Post http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/12/mindful-eating-tips_n_3941528.html

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