mindfulness

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Just One Breath: A Simple Practice for a Balanced Life

artwork by crafterall with the words just one breath
Artwork by Crafterall
In any moment, you have an opportunity to pause, reflect, and pay attention from the beginning to the end of one inhalation. Or one exhalation. You don't need to commit to any more. Yoga teaches us that there is nothing you need to grasp. This article explores the benefits of one-breath meditation and offers suggestions for how to practice (hint: it's very easy!) and how to remember to pause.

How I Teach Mindful Yoga, and Why

gold cambodian budda statue by a lake

Over the weekend, I subbed a “Mindful Yoga” class for Nancy Boler at Common Ground Meditation. Although I had been to Common Ground many times for talks, classes, and retreats, this was my first time teaching there. Nancy’s classes, like mine, weave together mindfulness and yoga.

In this article, I share how I teach mindful yoga, why it feels authentic, and how I bring yogic philosophy and Buddhist mindfulness into my yoga classes.

Standing with Coffee

white coffee mug with the stick figure in tree pose and the words yoga guy below

My first silent meditation retreat with Triple Gem of the North in March 2017 was a formative experience in my life. That weekend in Janesville, Minnesota was the first time I truly felt what it was like to live the practices of yoga and meditation throughout the day. Not just on the mat or cushion, but in the quiet, in-between moments that fill the day.

Embracing Gravity

Episode Number
80
This guided meditation focuses on embracing the grounding force of gravity to promote relaxation and stability. You are invited to connect with your bodies, letting go of tension and distractions while visualizing yourself as anchored and supported. The practice encourages a sense of calm, nurturing the awareness of being centered and present.

Finding Space: The Power of Mindful Response

A small Buddha status surround by cables, boxes, and other little gadgets
A key aspect of yoga practice is exploring the vital space between stimulus and response. Even when we begin our day with meditation and yoga to cultivate mindfulness, the chaos of work can easily disrupt our tranquility. To counter this, I share some practical reminders that encourage me to take intentional pauses throughout the day. By embracing these mindfulness techniques, I’ve discovered ways to navigate my daily life with greater awareness and respond thoughtfully. I invite you to explore your own strategies for fostering presence and freedom in your routine.

Between Stimulus and Response

Episode Number
79
In this meditation, we explore the vital space between stimulus and response, encouraging mindfulness over autopilot. By reflecting on daily stimuli and our reactions to them, we cultivate calm and learn the importance of pausing to create awareness and intention. The practice emphasizes breathing, noticing sensations, and envisioning the potential within moments of stillness. Ultimately, it invites us to carry this awareness into our daily routines, enhancing our ability to respond thoughtfully to life's challenges.

Warming Up to Mindful Mornings

Matthew sitting in hoodie, an oversized wearable blanket, and wrapped in yet another blanket
I've been creating a cozy space for morning meditation on colder mornings. This practice helps me start my day feeling grounded. While a long morning meditation works for me, research suggests that frequent, shorter mindfulness sessions throughout the day can be just as effective. Simple breathing exercises and mindfulness breaks can reduce stress and improve mental well-being. Even a quick pause to breathe deeply can offer significant benefits, showing that consistency matters more than the length of the practice.

Improve the Quality of Experience

White Buddha statue on rocks with trees in the background
Recently, I stumbled upon a useful idea from psychotherapist Bruce Tift: instead of constantly striving to improve ourselves, we can focus on enhancing the "quality of our experience." This simple shift has helped me engage with everyday moments, whether I'm at a conference or just out for a walk. By asking myself how I can improve my experience, I've found greater presence and less stress. Sometimes, it's not about doing more but simply appreciating what’s unfolding.

Cultivate Calm

Episode Number
77
This rejuvenating meditation is designed to foster inner peace and tranquility. It incorporates relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and loving-kindness meditation to help you ground yourself, alleviate stress, and cultivate a sense of calm. Take this time to prioritize mental and emotional well-being while enhancing resilience.

Embracing the Perfect Moment: A Lesson from the Bench

A grey bench in grass with trees off in the distance
There’s a bench on my regular walking route, a spot that seems to beckon for a pause and a moment of reflection. Yet, despite its inviting presence, I often walk by it. I always seem to come up with an excuse. A principle from Patanjali’s teachings emphasizes the importance of consistent practice and detachment from ideal outcomes. It suggests that even if conditions aren’t perfect, our dedication and effort in practicing mindfulness or taking moments for ourselves are what truly matter. It’s about making the best use of the opportunities we have, rather than waiting for everything to be just right.
mindfulness