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Mediation Benefits (Power of Mindfulness)**

Mindfulness

Some people define mindfulness as "being fully present in the

moment" and use it as a synonym for enlightenment. I am not using this definition, not because this is the wrong definition of mindfulness, but because I am explaining mindfulness as a tool to be used to reach enlightenment rather than the state of being enlightened. The functioning of an enlightened mind is quite different from the functioning of mindfulness, as I am defining the term, because self, mind and contents mix and become indistinguishable as separate things in enlightenment, whereas in mindfulness, as I am using the term, one experiences the sense of having a self, separate from other things, and having a consciousness containing contents. Tenzin Norbu (Bearer of the Jewel of the Teachings) (Terrence Moore)

HUFFPOST LIVE:

Power of Mindfullness

Jay Michaelson - techniques for focusing during meditation

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Catch and release: notice the thought and let it go (thoughts = clouds) Give your brain something to do: a mantra, a phrase or an idea to focus on (bonus tip - MUSIC!) (not so bonus tip - PAIN) Isolation: go on a retreat or somewhere to remove the external distractions

Amishi Jha - where to start?

Use an app? Start with 10 minutes a day.

Scott Rogers

An ordinary part of healthy living Bring mindfulness into the moments of our day (not just when we meditate)!

How does mindfulness work? "Brown University scientists propose that mindfulness practitioners gain enhanced control over sensory cortical alpha rhythms that help regulate how the brain processes and filters sensations, including pain, and memories such as depressive cognitions." - A

neural basis for benefits of

meditation

TURN IT DOWN!!!!! By learning to focus attention on the present moment, you develop a "volume knob" for sensory cortical alpha rhythms, to better filter sensory information. Meditation practice helps you make quicker and larger changes in alpha wave amplitude in your brain.

Practice! Richard J. Davidson, Ph.D., of the University of Wisconsin (UW)-Madison "likens meditation to certain other trainable skills that produce changes in the brain and body, such as playing a musical instrument or being proficient in a sport."

Peace