A leader in secular mindfulness, John Kabat-Zinn discusses the 9 attitudes important to practicing lifestyle mindfulness. These are also important when we discuss human flourishing.
This video is part of a longer course Joni leads on mindfulness and meditation practices. In this video, various breathing practices are discussed and demonstrated. These practices all help to regulate the nervous system to encourage equanimity in the mind and body, so you might flourish in your perspective!
In this talk to the families of students at a local school district, Joni discusses the reasoning behind practicing mindfulness, as well as offers some techniques. She finishes the session with a audience Q&A.
Simple movement gets the blood flowing, and helps us to reconnect our minds and bodies together in the present moment. Alternate nostril breathing creates literal balance in our breathing, but also balances our state of mind and our emotions as well. Practice it a few times a week and notice how you feel.
Sometimes we need to recognize when we need to let go of trying to control things that are outside of our control. This video helps offer a framework to do just that.
Sometimes a pause, where we stop doing everything and just breathe, is the most powerful shift we can make.
Day 1
Breathe With Intention.
Set a timer for 2 minutes. Inhale deeply, exhale slowly. Repeat.
Mindful breathing resets your nervous system.
Day 2
Journal With Awareness
Write down 3 things you feel right now. No filter. Awareness is the first step to clarity and acceptance. Only after that can you choose skillfully what you might want to change or let go of.
Day 3
Digital Detox
Take a 1-hour break from your phone today. Let your mind be free from endless scrolling. This might be challenging. Instead of scrolling, go outside. take a walk, meditate, make a cup of tea, make a healthy meal, or call a friend.
Day 4
Mindful Walking
Stroll for 5 minutes and focus only on the sensation of your steps. Movement + awareness = grounding. The key: don’t listen to a podcast, music, or take a phone call. Just walk. Breathe. Notice.
Day 5
Gratitude
List 3 simple things you’re thankful for today. Mindfulness begins with noticing the good. It doesn’t mean the bad doesn’t happen. But it’s not all that is.
Lovingkindness meditation can help to lower cortisol levels in the body, and cultivate a more peaceful mind. Practice a few times a week.
This is a phenomenal practice to help you let go of stress and tension, and shift your mind out of overthinking. It’s a loud practice so warn those in your household before you practice—or better yet—do it together!
One part of flourishing is learning how to calm the nervous system—to get out of a state of flight, flight, or freeze. Deep breathing is particularly effective, especially if you practice it for a few minutes every day. Try this technique.
Anger is a natural emotion we all experience. But we have to learn how to deal with it. Stuffing it down doesn’t work. Blowing up and yelling doesn’t work. Consider how mindfulness practices can help.
What does emptiness mean, in relation to mindfulness meditation? It’s about letting go of preconceived notions and learning to be present and open to what is.
Ho’oponopono Meditation t is a practice of deep forgiveness, of oneself, and of others.
Follow these tips to cultivate greater mindfulness and to flourish!
What is bothering you right now? Do you have a moment to let it go? Sometimes a deep breath really helps.
Focusing involves slowing down the brain. Try these simple practices for 5 days.
