Introduction to Mindfulness_349810_bookemon_ebook.pdf Coaching and Practising Mindfulness | Page 155

Sitting meditation Key learning (feature ii): o Anchoring to present moment through body sensations o Dealing skilfully with mind-wandering o Learning gentleness, encouraging curiosity, learning acceptance o Mindfulness of ‘feel of things’ (pleasant/unpleasant/neutral) o Noticing aversion o Learning to consciously widen and narrow the focus of attention o Mindfulness of the natural flux of experience o Cultivating being fully with experience AND having an observer stance simultaneously o Learning to receive experience as it is, as distinct from mental labels, stories about it, etc. o Learning to see recurring patterns in the mind and how they develop, play out, etc. o Seeing more deeply into the nature of human experience The Sitting Meditation Mindfulness Exercise 1. When you take your position take a moment to settle into your body and become centred before you bring your attention to the sensations and movement of breath through your body. The mind may wander frequently during mindfulness meditation and you can gently redirect your attention back to your breathing. Focus on your breath for several minutes before moving on. 2. Shift your attention to your bodily sensations. Take note of the contact your body has with the chair or floor and the sensations associated with this. Notice the sensations in your body without judgment, just accept them and reflect on them with curiosity and interest, even if it is unpleasant. 154