A beginner's guide to mindfulness
16 August 2019
From a specialist element of Buddhist teaching to a modern day relaxation technique, mindfulness can help stress relief and is now prescribed by the NHS for several mental health issues including depression and anxiety. But with 1 in 4 of us experiencing mental health problems each year in the UK, what is mindfulness and how can you achieve it?
The breath is like an anchor into the present moment
For many, mindfulness is a heightened sense of awareness and a connection to the environment around them. The practice of mindfulness meditation aims to stimulate a feeling of being ‘present in the moment’ and although it can take a great deal of time and commitment to master, the good news is that it’s very easy to learn.
Here’s our beginner’s guide to mindfulness meditation in three simple steps...
Three steps to Mindfulness
Meditation teacher Siwan Reynolds gives three tips to mindfulness meditation.
Step 1: Posture
You should be comfortable, back straight from tailbone to the top of your head, shoulders down, muscles relaxed, hands placed on lap.
Step2: Breath
Breathe in to the count of three and breathe out to the count of four.
Step 3: Move into the Silence
Acknowledge any thoughts that pop into your mind, put them on an imaginary cloud and watch them drift away as you allow yourself to drift into a peaceful space.
