On Cultivating Self Awareness…

Through Meditation

{May 17, 2022}

- 2 Ideas -

“Connecting to your breath when thoughts or images arise is like spotting a friend in a crowd: You don’t have to shove everyone else aside or order them to go away; you just direct your attention, your enthusiasm, your interest toward your friend.”

- Sharon Salzberg, author, teacher of Insight Meditation
Source: Lion’s Roar—The Magic Moment

“Research suggests that the good-for-you-habit cuts back on anger and the tendency to dwell on angry episodes. And [Josh] Korda agrees. ‘If you’re aware of your mind, body, and breath, you can calm yourself and step away from the initial reaction and begin to think of different ways to respond to the situation,’ he says. ‘The more inner awareness you have, the less you’re going to be triggered by other people.’”

- Chantelle Pattemore, writer and editor
Source: Greatist— 19 Science Based Reasons to Meditate

- 2 Coaching Prompts -

• Much like “mindfulness,” “wellness,” and “gluten free,” meditation has become a buzz-word. Many see meditation for more than it actually is: focused attention. That’s it. Just focus your attention on ONE THING.
  

• What is one thing you can focus your attention on for 2 minutes? Options: your breath, a candle flame, an affirmation, an activity, etc.

Coaching nudge: When your mind wanders (because it will) and you notice yourself thinking, just say to yourself, “Thinking…” and bring your attention back to what you chose to focus your attention on. No shame, no guilt, no emotion, just bring it back and keep going. 

- 2 Affirmations -

• Meditation is just focused attention.

• Right now, I choose to focus on peace.