modernmindfulnesslife-blog

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

Talking and bringing awareness to mental health is great and all, it takes a lot more for an individual to get the help they need and accept the help and treatment. If you need help, take the first step in getting it and accepting it. Otherwise you'll never change.

Mike S. (Modern Mindfulness Life)

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

CHANGES! . Hello everyone! Just giving you all a little heads up, this page will be going through a big change, redesign and all, new logo, new colour scheme, new pattern. Cleaner, simpler look . We'll be archiving and reposting all quotes with a new format, additionally there will be weekly videos posted . There is growth on the horizon, and with it, change, I'm becoming more and more closer to being less of a random quote page and more of a real wisdom page, this'll be less of a hobby and more of a lifestyle . With the change, I will be shutting down the Facebook page within the next few days, shutting down the Tumblr page, and slowly archiving old posts and replacing them with the newer style . Please keep up the love! https://www.instagram.com/p/BsxbQPPnvPe/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=456j2y7qyzuk

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

When we go through various religions or philosophies that talk about finding happiness in being a good person, the first thing we think of is, "what can I or should I DO to be a good/helpful person?" . Often these are difficult to figure out and more so put into action . We want to be good people, we want happiness, good karma, to get into heaven, but when we start this journey, if our ego and awkwardness hasn't been dealt with, it's hard to physically be helpful . The good news is that you can start simply by being harmless, don't contribute to pain and suffering, don't spread lies or rumours, simply say "no" to harmful actions and speech, naturally you'll adopt a helpful spirit and mind with equally helpful actions. https://www.instagram.com/p/BssRWOxHVxK/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1orhbdyjhm3jc

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

Let's start a revolution! . #buddhism #zen #spirituality #awakening #conciousness #balance #yoga #vegan #nature #selflove #loveyourself #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #Inspiration #hippy #anger #depression #ptsd #sadness #meditation #tantra #mindfulness #liveinthenow #modernmindfulness https://www.instagram.com/p/Bsh_mX0HTy8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=17t8xzwnehslg

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

If you want to meditate and build a regular practice, best to not think about sticking with a schedule . Don't make it into a chore, don't have a goal. Just meditate whenever you need to . #buddhism #zen #spirituality #awakening #conciousness #balance #yoga #vegan #nature #selflove #loveyourself #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #Inspiration #hippy #anger #depression #ptsd #sadness #meditation #tantra #mindfulness #liveinthenow #modernmindfulness https://www.instagram.com/p/BsTz8HLH3Ps/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=18ur18bnbpf7g

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

From Marcus Aurelius' book of Meditations . #buddhism #zen #spirituality #awakening #conciousness #balance #yoga #vegan #nature #selflove #loveyourself #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #Inspiration #hippy #anger #depression #ptsd #sadness #meditation #tantra #mindfulness #liveinthenow #modernmindfulness https://www.instagram.com/p/BsNMwXFnFGd/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1hgio35gfpdv3

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

Meditation and Mandalas . What are mandalas? In various spiritual traditions, mandalas may be employed for focusing attention of practitioners and adepts, as a spiritual guidance tool, for establishing a sacred space and as an aid to meditation and trance induction . #buddhism #zen #spirituality #awakening #conciousness #balance #yoga #vegan #nature #selflove #loveyourself #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #Inspiration #hippy #anger #depression #ptsd #sadness #meditation #tantra #mindfulness #liveinthenow #modernmindfulness #mandala https://www.instagram.com/p/BsL3r-anCky/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=w57ckdemfl90

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

January Book of the Month, and first book recommendation for 2019 . The 8 week MBSR course as wrote out by Mark Williams and Danny Penman . This book offers the Mindfulness based stress reduction course in a clear manner . #buddhism #zen #spirituality #awakening #conciousness #balance #yoga #vegan #nature #selflove #loveyourself #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #Inspiration #hippy #anger #depression #ptsd #sadness #meditation #tantra #mindfulness #liveinthenow #modernmindfulness #MBSR #Jonkabatzinn https://www.instagram.com/p/BsKevGKnUQL/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=y6lxsjjo0sfo

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

Make a resolution to start and end each day with a prayer (affirmation of our intentions) for a pure a forgiving heart . At regular intervals throughout your day, stop to remind yourself to be forgiving, to let go of your attachment to anger, resentment, and bitterness, and keep the love in your heart . Remember to keep an open heart and to let go of attachment to an ego-centred view of the world . This is the hard spiritual work this is intrinsic to the path to enlightenment - Lama Surya Das . #buddhism #zen #spirituality #awakening #conciousness #balance #yoga #vegan #nature #selflove #loveyourself #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #Inspiration #hippy #anger #depression #ptsd #sadness #meditation #tantra #mindfulness #liveinthenow #modernmindfulness #lamasuryadas #theamericanlama #lettinggo https://www.instagram.com/p/BsAfou6n3pf/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1d75hxh0siv5s

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

Mindfulness Misconceptions

1.       “Is Mindfulness a religion or part of a religion?”

- While mindfulness practices have its roots in Buddhism, Hinduism, and some other ancient eastern philosophies and religions, the modern practice of Mindfulness, as developed by Jon Kabat-Zinn in 1979 is a secular, non-religious practice. Mindfulness is not based on any political or religious views specifically, and requires no belief in religion, or god. Christians, and Atheists alike can practice mindfulness and meditate.

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

Mindfulness and Religious Practice

Can you practice Mindfulness or even meditate if you’re already following a religion with strict religious dogma?

Yes, well I think so at least. I am a practicing Buddhist myself, I at one point was one of those super anti-religious Atheists, and before that I was raised in a mildly Christian household. I feel all my life I’ve known meditation and Buddhism existed, however I always associated meditation with Buddhism, Hinduism, or Taoism and I also thought that those philosophies/religions were like Christianity. There’s a version of God, heaven/Hell a holy book, and specific types of followers.

Now that I’m older and slightly more mature and educated I now know that religions like Christianity, Islam, and Judaism are vastly different from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taoism.

I also know that meditation doesn’t have to be part of a religious practice, and the modern practice of mindfulness is secular and not associated with any religion.

Now in our society with the billions of people, and billions of followers of the vast number of different religions out there with the equally vast number of interpretations and rules the question can be asked; “Does Mindfulness and Meditation have its place among major world religions?”

As I’ve stated above, yes… In my opinion. A lot of organized religions have similar construction; A god/goddess/or multiple gods/goddesses/gurus etc. Holy books, or scriptures that detail history and where rules are generally found, and a general set of beliefs on various topics including the meaning of life, the afterlife the differences between good and evil and how life should be lived to be happy and peaceful. That’s putting it very simply.

Because Mindfulness and the core act of meditation is secular and not attached to any religion, one who practices and follows a religion, such as Christianity can have a daily mindfulness practice and/or meditate. The practice of mindfulness or meditation whether it be insightful or mindfulness meditation, is in no way a challenge to a religious belief or going against core teachings of certain religions. You can still believe in god and be mindful and live in the present moment, you can still follow the teachings of Christ or whoever and still meditate. In fact, you can incorporate meditation and prayers into one practice.

Even if you’re an Atheist, one who believes in science, logic and rational thinking you can have a mindfulness practice and meditate.

Mindfulness practices and Meditation requires only a few things, and that’s your intention (why? What’s the goal?), your conscious choice (You know what you’re doing) and willingness (You want to). It requires no other beliefs, no rules, and no dogma.

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

Meditation and Mantras . A mantra in essence is a affirmation of something, or part of a prayer . By chanting a mantra or prayer, you're sending positive energy out and into yourself while you work on decluttering the mind of negative thoughts and replacing them with positive ones, often with help from mantras . Now chanting mantras isn't necessary for Meditation, but if you do, find one that speaks to you and what your goals are . #buddhism #zen #spirituality #awakening #conciousness #balance #yoga #vegan #nature #selflove #loveyourself #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #Inspiration #hippy #anger #depression #ptsd #sadness #meditation #tantra #mindfulness #liveinthenow #modernmindfulness #mantra https://www.instagram.com/p/Br8yCUuHJQD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=p084g2ndz601

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

Your thoughts are only just thoughts . Bring yourself back to the present moment outside your thoughts . #buddhism #zen #spirituality #awakening #conciousness #balance #yoga #vegan #nature #selflove #loveyourself #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #Inspiration #hippy #anger #depression #ptsd #sadness #meditation #tantra #mindfulness #liveinthenow #modernmindfulness https://www.instagram.com/p/Br8u9hpHfAe/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1ir50x6xndomz

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

Meditation and Drugs . Let me throw this out right now, I am not saying you should do drugs, if you make the choice to experiment with drugs, educate yourself about the potential dangers and get supervision and know your local laws . For as long as humans have lived, intoxicating substances have existed alongside humans and have been used in many spiritual practices in every culture . Using psychedelic drugs such as psilocybin, Cannabis, DMT, LSD, or other plant based substances can be a way to open the mind and bring any thoughts buried deep in the subconscious out into l conscious awareness . #buddhism #zen #spirituality #awakening #conciousness #balance #yoga #vegan #nature #selflove #loveyourself #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #Inspiration #hippy #anger #depression #ptsd #sadness #meditation #tantra #mindfulness #liveinthenow #modernmindfulness #drugs #psychedelics #dmt #lsd #psilocybin https://www.instagram.com/p/Bry5tKqnMuF/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1wzapk7mhqv57

[modernmindfulnesslife-blog]

You never know where that will lead, who's world you may change by doing something nice, even something small . #buddhism #zen #spirituality #awakening #conciousness #balance #yoga #vegan #nature #selflove #loveyourself #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #Inspiration #hippy #anger #depression #ptsd #sadness #meditation #tantra #mindfulness #liveinthenow #modernmindfulness https://www.instagram.com/p/Brws1Ginnw7/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1s4509i9mqi5

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Meditation and Aromatics . "Aromatics" include incense, candles and sage, among many other things used . It's no surprise that nice smelling things help people to relax, scented candles and incense has been used for quite a long time in spas and has even sparked its own form of therapy (aromatherapy) . In spiritual practices, things like incense and sage have been seen as key to certain practices, the scents are a way to cleanse negative energy/spirits, manifest positive energy/spirits, or help connect to a spiritual realm . With Meditation, and depending on your beliefs, aromatics can help you relax, connect to your spirit, or just generally set the mood and give of your area of practice . Experiment with different scents, use naturally sourced or make your own incense or smudge sticks to avoid headaches that come from artificially produced aromatics . #buddhism #zen #spirituality #awakening #conciousness #balance #yoga #vegan #nature #selflove #loveyourself #selfcare #mentalhealth #wellness #Inspiration #hippy #anger #depression #ptsd #sadness #meditation #tantra #mindfulness #liveinthenow #modernmindfulness #aromatherapy #incense #candles #sage https://www.instagram.com/p/BrwUVOkH7dD/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=115i79lzx8iyq

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If you want to change the world, start with small random acts of kindness

Morgan Freeman