A Practitioner’s Perspective
by Heather Epps, RScP
I love when science and medicine confirm my spiritual beliefs! Our philosophy is called The Science of Mind for a reason. The principles and practices we teach are demonstratable. For example, Medical News Today recently published an article about how being mindful helps with your emotional well-being. We teach mindfulness as a spiritual practice.
Mindfulness is about increasing your awareness of the present moment by focusing on your thoughts, feelings and sensations you are currently experiencing. Mindfulness is about focusing on one task at a time. Studies have shown that this practice reduces stress, improves focus and encourages mental growth. Being mindful has physical benefits as well. For example, it can lower high blood pressure and reduce pain.
How can you improve your mindfulness? There are many ways, and the key to success is to find what works best for you. We often talk about mindful practices as part of our spiritual toolbox on Sunday and in our classes. Every Sunday at 10 you are invited to participate in one of the best ways to practice mindfulness, meditation. There are many ways to meditate besides sitting still and quiet. Some mediate while coloring, walking mindfully or doing repetitive chores like cleaning floors. Breathing exercises also help, during meditation or outside of it. Paying attention to your breath going in and out, focusing on deep breaths, and even holding your breath on every inhale and exhale all contributes to mindfulness.
Mindfulness can help with anxiety also. By mindfully focusing on your body and your senses you can decrease anxiety. Start by paying attention to your body. Notice where there is any tension or unease. Consciously relax, going muscle by muscle from the top of your head to the tips of your toes. Stop thinking and focus on noticing. Ground yourself – name 5 things you see, 4 things you feel, 3 things you hear, 2 things you smell and one thing you taste.
Gratitude is another form of mindfulness because when you take the time to think about and express gratitude you are present and intentional. You can routinely thank people or keep a gratitude journal to help you be mindful of the positive things in your life. Be mindful that what you focus on increases.
When you are mindful you notice what is going on around you. You pay attention to the details of life. Your thoughts are in the present, not the past or the future. You act with intention.
So, whenever the world around you is stressing you out, mindfulness can help. Whenever you are trying to learn a new skill, mindfulness can keep you calmer. Whenever changes seem overwhelming, take things moment by moment through mindfulness.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t always remember to drop into peace this way. It takes time and repetition to develop these spiritual practices. Keep practicing and reap the rewards!