Mindfulness For the Wandering Mind

CHAPTER SIXThe How, When, and Where of Mindfulness

Overview

Mindfulness can be practiced just about anywhere: at home, in the office, in the car, at the park, while walking in the park, and even while eating. We have become so restless and addicted to our smart devices that we can hardly take a bite out of our food without checking our phone. Just as we take on a gym membership to get in shape or take driving lessons to learn to drive, we can meditate to learn how to operate the complex vehicle of the mind.

While there exists a large variety of mindfulness techniques, I have found the following to be most effective when teaching corporate professionals how to utilize meditation to manage their emotions, reduce stress, and improve their focus and productivity. All of these techniques are secular and have no religious connotations. They all do come from one of the Eastern traditions; however, what I teach isn't invoking any particular deity or chanting any mantras whatsoever. My own personal practice includes a combination of the secular and the spiritual. However, in corporate settings, it's all purely secular so as to not impose on anyone's belief system. For the most part, the practices involve a variety of breathing exercises that gradually bring the participants to a calm state of mind where they become aware of the thoughts, emotions, and stress they might be holding ...