The Basic Mindfulness System

You have probably heard about mindfulness before. Whether you heard about it from your therapist or a hippy-dippy friend of yours, mindfulness can be very beneficial to your life and consciousness. 

Mindfulness does not equal meditation, however, mindfulness does play a part in the practice of meditation. The Basic Mindfulness System is unique. It’s the only mindfulness training that directs you straight to pleasant mind-body experiences that can be accessed at any given moment.  Most people have no idea that this is possible and that restful mind-body states exist naturally.

The Basic Mindfulness System was developed by Shinzen Young, author of Breakthrough Pain, the Science of Enlightenment. He designed his unique system in a fashion that would allow people to develop powerful skills applicable to all forms of suffering and at the same time have fun doing it.

Do you want to experience a restful state right now? 

Close your eyes and notice that there is both brightness and darkness on your closed-eyed mental screen. Give all of your attention to the brightness or darkness focusing on whichever one you are drawn to at the moment.   If thoughts or feelings arise, don’t try to get rid of them.  Just gently return your attention to the brightness or darkness only.  To help you focus, say the words, “see rest” using a gentle internal voice, every few seconds as you give all of your attention to brightness or darkness on your closed-eyed mental screen.  Indulge in this restful state. 

Mindfulness comes in many different forms. You can practice mindfulness through active listening. Active listening is simply focusing on what the person in front of you is saying instead of thinking about what you want to say next. Switch your focus to really understand where people are coming from. Ask them more questions. Not only will this help you stay in the present moment and fully experience it, but people will like you more. Why? People love to talk about themselves and people also love good listeners. Another enjoyable way to practice mindfulness is to take a walk and just take notice of everything around you. What’s the temperature like? How does the sun feel on your skin? What does it smell like? You can do the same thing while eating. Instead of just scarfing down your meal, eat slowly and notice each ingredient and how they work together to make it taste however it tastes. Notice the texture and warmth. 

 

Here are some steps to begin your mindfulness practice:

1. Develop a routine.

You must set aside time during your day to practice mindfulness. Starting with five minutes a day can help ease you into it.  If you don’t set a specific time, you’ll forget about it or push it to the next day. No, “I’ll just do it tomorrow.” Start today. 

2. Focus on the present moment.

When thoughts pop into your head, let them go and return to the here and now. 

3. Let go of judgment.

This exercise is supposed to help you slow down and focus. This is no space for judgment. Let go of any thoughts about whether or not you’re being mindful in the “right” way. 

Mindfulness takes practice but once you get a hold of it, life is so much more vibrant.