A New Year Resolution Worth Considering!

December is a great month of reflection as we think about the changes we’d like to make in the coming new year. It’s when we create our New Year’s Resolutions. Some take this tradition quite seriously by writing them down to make them seem more tangible. Research shows that 79% of all resolutions center on health. Many refer to this resolution process as a “fresh start” effect. It’s when we set aside our past habits and behaviors and aspire for change. And psychologists tell us New Year Resolutions can help motivate aspirational behaviors that make it more likely to stick to those goals than ones that were made with no specific dates in mind.

And one of the greatest tools of “change” available to us is a practice of Mindfulness Meditation. It is believed that globally between 200 and 500 million people meditate. Since 2012 the number of people practicing meditation has tripled.

So, you ask, why Mindfulness? Neuroscientific and Psychological studies have shown that a daily practice of Mindfulness Meditation is a strong and effective catalyst for change. Change itself is rather easy, but it is our resistance to change that makes it so difficult. Past experiences, behavioral patterns and how we react to our thoughts have been programmed into our brain. And, it takes time to create new neuropaths in the brain.

And this is where mindfulness comes to the rescue. Through a daily practice, we learn to become more aware of our thoughts and the learned reactions that constantly trigger detrimental and unhealthy responses such as stress, anxiety, self-doubt, depression and a host of physical manifestations that can lower our immune system, create illness, aches and pains, etc.

We learn to combat resistance to change through non-judgmental awareness, through stillness, through acceptance, and through present moment awareness. We become more open to change in our lives when we learn to become less reactive to our thoughts; and, that’s precisely how mindfulness benefits us.

If your goal to attain a healthier lifestyle, to reduce stress and anxiety, to become more productive and to find less resistance to positive change in your life, then you may want to consider MINDFULNESS MEDITATION. Here at the Meditation Tree, we offer ONLINE classes privately or via groups. Our next series of 6 weekly Zoom Mindfulness Classes begins Saturday, January 11th at 10:30 AM PST. Just visit our Meditation Tree website to register or learn more about the practice of Mindfulness.

How Does Mindfulness Meditation relate to the way we think?

Have you ever noticed that your mind is always restless? People have a natural tendency to overthink their past, present, or future occurrences. We spend too much time ruminating on unhealthy self-talk. We spend too much time focusing on negative, self-defeating thoughts that often lead to unnecessary stress, anxiety, self-doubt, and even depression.  

Here are some ways mindfulness meditation helps curb our unhealthy thought patterns and overthinking.  

Focus on the Present Moment  

Mindfulness meditation helps us focus on the present moment. Via Mindfulness, we train ourselves to be aware when our thoughts drift to the past or future. We learn how to become aware of our negative thoughts, how to begin to question them and notice how we detrimentally react to them. For this, we need to find some stillness within ourselves and to become an observer of our thoughts and negative reactions. Then, we can begin to control how we react to our thoughts rather than have our thoughts control us. 

Reduced Stress and Anxiety 

Overthinking and believing every thought we have as being TRUE leads to stress and anxiety. We often ruminate about the past and get stressed over what we want for ourselves in the future rather than staying and focusing on the present moment.  Stressing over the past or fearing the future does not provide much productivity. So, mindfulness meditation teaches us how we can move forward by letting go of the past and embracing the appreciative things that we do have in our present moment lives. 

Improved Emotional Awareness  

Mindfulness Meditation focuses on showing us how to become more emotionally aware. We learn how not to cling to our thoughts or entangle ourselves with them. By practicing mindfulness, we can understand our feelings and the feelings of others without judgment and then respond thoughtfully.  

Enhanced Concentration  

Regular mindfulness practice can sharpen our concentration.  By learning to focus on our breath, we can often learn to create space around them.  Rather than stopping our thoughts, meditation teaches us how to change our relationship with them. It sharpens our focus and trains our minds to stay on a task longer. It also works well for work or studies by enhancing our memory and creativity. 

Developed Self-Esteem 

Mindfulness meditation helps us become more aware of our emotions and thought patterns that impact our self-esteem. By practicing mindfulness, we begin to discover our true selves and focus on our own growth and personal development instead of focusing on others.  

Evoked Self-Compassion and Wisdom 

The more mindful we become, the more compassionate we feel for ourselves and others. Instead of criticizing our thoughts, we learn to accept them with compassion and respect. We can be more at peace with ourselves and nurture our relationships. So, embracing this practice helps us to break negative thought patterns and discover the best version of ourselves. 

Growth Starts from Within! 

Overthinking brings our energy down, weakens our immune system, makes us more anxious and stressed, and hampers the way we can find enjoyment in our daily lives. Neuroscience and psychology research supports the positive impact that Mindfulness Meditation can have in our lives. Consider our mindfulness meditation classes online to elevate your lifestyle. Contact us and for more details check out our Facebook page.