Practicing Mindfulness - Body Mindfulness

Mindfulness is paying attention non-judgmentally to what is happening internally and externally. There are four dimensions of mindfulness: Body Mindfulness, breath Mindfulness, Thoughts Mindfulness and Mindfulness of Feelings and Emotions. Practicing mindfulness also includes Mindful Eating, Mindful Walking, Mindful Talking, Mindful Listening and Mindfully Relating. We will have nine short video presentations of Practicing Mindfulness.

Let us begin with Body Mindfulness.

Let us sit on the floor or in a chair in an upright position, our head, neck, and back placed in alignment. If you feel comfortable, gently close your eyes or gently glaze on the floor. Sitting this way makes our body grounded, relaxed and alert. Take slow, deep and gentle breaths. You may place your hand on your belly. Notice the movements of your belly as you are breathing in and out slowly, gently and deeply. Let us take five deep breaths.

Pay your total attention to your body right from your toes to the top of your head. Our body is a gift of God. It is very precious. Scan your body in a compassionate and friendly way. Become aware of different bodily sensations you are experiencing at this moment. Some of them may be pleasant and some of them may be unpleasant. Without judging them, be mindful of the play of different sensations you are experiencing at this moment. You may notice your bodily sensations changing. Continue breathing slowly, gently and deeply. Notice how the energy flows in your body. Remain open to receive feedback from your body as you are slowly journeying through your body. If you feel tension in any part of the body, feel it non judgmentally, relax the parts of your body where you feel tension. Continue your belly breathing.

Pay attention to your eyes. Allow them to settle down slowly, slowly, slowly. Notice changes taking place in your eyes as you are breathing in and out slowly. Notice how the movements in your eyes are fading away. They are getting quieter. You experience stillness growing in your eyes.