Mindfulness

I cannot get this word out of my mind :)  This is such a powerful word, it is what I am trying to inspire in my classes, the concept of quieting the mind and focusing on the breath.  Also, if the thoughts keep coming, to acknowledge them, and decide to get back to them later.  If there is a thought that will not go away, maybe spend some time being present to where your mind wants to be.

It is different from meditation, which for me is challenging.  During Yoga I am focusing on the movement, so the mind is turned off from the world.  For some people meditation makes sense, sometimes they add chanting or visualization.  Since I am spiritually connected, and have my roots in Judaism, the chanting and singing did not click with me.

It is different from relaxation, disconnection, or any kind of escape.  In my thinking mindfulness is all about connecting to the present moment.  Our brain is constantly in Yesterday and Tomorrow, when we pay attention to our breath, which is non stop, Thank God, we are instantly present and our brain really cannot do more than one thing at a time.

People that practice mindfulness have more brain function and are happier.  It is beyond being happy for what you have, or working on yourself.  It really is just accepting and respecting where you are, and listening to where you want to go.

I just had a wonderful 24 hours of rest, our day of rest every Friday night to Saturday night.  Today we celebrated my brother in law's engagement at our Synagogue, and I am about to meet them out to celebrate some more with friends.

I went to a 30 minute mindfulness class on Thursday, and yesterday was working, getting my hair done, and but the time I got home, Shabbat was around the corner.  I really wanted to blog about all of my thoughts, especially going into Shabbat.  Then I became present to wanting to just turn off and start preparations for the candle lighting and getting ready for our guests.  That was more important, as much as I love to express and share, and I love all of your responses and connection, being mindful helped me to really connect to what I needed to do for me.  Whenever I do not blog a few people including my brother in law asking me in shul today, and often my mother ask me if I am OK, and what happened.

I hope this will inspire all of you to be mindful, true to yourself, and express yourself your own unique way.

I apologize for a blogless day,
Will try to squeeze blogging in earlier on Fridays,
Coach Yulia