Introduction to Mindfulness_349810_bookemon_ebook.pdf Coaching and Practising Mindfulness | Page 50

The Courage to Be Present
Ancient wisdom from Buddhism for today's therapists and clients.

How to Practise Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness is important; how do we develop it?
Published by Karen Kissel Wegela, Ph.D.
Cultivating mindfulness is the key to overcoming suffering and
recognizing natural wisdom: both our own and others'. How do we
go about it?
In the Buddhist tradition and in Contemplative Psychotherapy
training, we nurture mindfulness through the practice of sitting
meditation. There are many different kinds of meditation. For
example, some are designed to help us relax; others are meant to
produce altered states of consciousness.
Mindfulness meditation is unique in that it is not directed toward
getting us to be different from how we already are. Instead, it helps us
become aware of what is already true moment by moment. We could
say that it teaches us how to be unconditionally present; that is, it
helps us be present with whatever is happening, no matter what it is.
You may wonder what good that is. After all, don't we want to suffer
less? Aren't we interested in tuning in to this natural wisdom, this
brilliant sanity, that we've heard about? Aren't those changes from
how we already are?
Well, yes and no. On the one hand, suffering less and being more
aware of our inherent wakefulness would be changes from how we
experience ourselves right now, or at least most of the time. On the
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