Beginning Mindfulness Meditation

One of the key teachings of Buddhism is the concept of mindfulness. What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is the calm awareness of one's body functions, feelings, content of consciousness, or consciousness itself. It is the constant observation of ones thoughts and actions which allows one to evaluate them and make better choices. Such observations can often result in the realization that a particular thought is unnecessary or not sensible, alleviating worry and stress.

Here is a brief meditative technique that anyone can use to de-stress, cultivate clearer thinking, and in the end, become more mindful.

1. Sit down and cross your legs in front of you. Sit up straight and rest your hands in your lap. Close your eyes. Breathe normally.
2. Just sit and observe all the thoughts that are flowing around in your head. Just look at them. Observe how your brain transitions from one thought to the other without hesitation. Just observe the beauty of how your mind works.
3. Ask yourself how you're feeling at that moment and be honest with yourself. Are you irritated about something? Is there something that your longing for? What's on the forefront of your mind?
4. Now step back for a minute and ask yourself why you're feeling this way. What is it that make you angry? What is at the base of this anger? Is it that you wish something turned out differently? Is it that you're not satisfied with someone else's personality or actions? Examine what it truly at the root of the emotions that are taking over the way you think and controlling your actions. You may find that they're based in a selfish reason or a desire for something other than what you have been left with.
5. Take a deep breath and tell yourself that it will be alright. Take another deep breath and think about something you loved about the day you had. Think of something in your life that is bringing you joy.
6. Smile and open your eyes. Go and enjoy the world.

If you're emotions begin to get in the way of your happiness, close your eyes and see if this helps to make it better :)

Smile, breathe, and go slowly.