#mindfulnesspractice

Quest and Thrivequestandthrive
2025-05-12

Yoga Wellness Retreats by Quest And Thrive

Join Quest And Thrive for rejuvenating yoga wellness retreats that blend relaxation and self-discovery. Immerse yourself in serene surroundings, practice mindfulness, and connect with like-minded individuals, all while enhancing your overall well-being.
ie.pinterest.com/pin/987132812

Quest and Thrivequestandthrive
2025-04-24

Experience Tranquility at the Meditation Wellness Retreat by Quest And Thrive

Join Quest And Thrive for a rejuvenating Meditation Wellness Retreat. Immerse yourself in serene surroundings, deepen your practice, and cultivate inner peace. Connect with nature and like-minded souls on your journey to holistic well-being. Reserve your spot today!
questandthrive.ie/activities/h

Quest and Thrivequestandthrive
2025-04-11

Experience Tranquility at the Meditation Wellness Retreat by Quest And Thrive

Join Quest And Thrive for a rejuvenating Meditation Wellness Retreat. Immerse yourself in serene surroundings, deepen your practice, and cultivate inner peace. Connect with nature and like-minded souls on your journey to holistic well-being. Reserve your spot today!
questandthrive.ie/activities/h

Join Quest And Thrive for a rejuvenating Meditation Wellness Retreat. Immerse yourself in serene surroundings, deepen your practice, and cultivate inner peace. Connect with nature and like-minded souls on your journey to holistic well-being. Reserve your spot today!
Conscious Dancerconsciousdancer
2025-03-23

Centering Immersion advanced – 2025, 4 Sundays, once a month
April 6
This immersion is for participants who have some experience in Core Connexion centering. If you have not participated in our last immersion please let us know and we can send you information about a class that covers the basics. (If you are in the Seed circle training, this series is included)





consciousdancer.com/event/cent

Maybury Studiomayburystudio
2025-03-17

Thanks for joining today’s live session.

As a Patreon Supporter, you can replay the video recording here: patreon.com/collection/170311?

You can listen to it on major podcast providers and podbean: tmgmeditations.podbean.com

The image is from the Telegram session. It’s good to see people appreciating our earlier start this year.

#LiveMeditation #MindfulnessPractice #MeditationTeacher #GuidedMeditation #MeditationPodcast #TMGCommunity #MeditationClass #Wellness #LiveStream #MeditationTeaching #Podcast

The image shows a live session from a “Transformational Meditation Group”. It features a speaker’s video feed on the left and promotional text/images on the right. The session is focused on making heart-focused New Year’s resolutions.
2024-11-17

Evening tides are rolling in over good old Europe, and it’s never too late to pause. 🌙 Today’s prompt (and for coming week) is ready to guide you into a moment of calm.

Grab a coffee (or tea), listen to the fog bell, and let the waves inspire your journaling.
Start your journey here: pomshop.nl/dailyprompts

#writingprompts #journaling #journalingcommunity #mindfulness #mindfulnesspractice #mentalhealth #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #pom_peaceofmind #digitpaxmentis

Stoicminds Channelstoicminds_channel@me.dm
2024-11-09
Mind Journalmindjournal
2024-09-12

In the rush of everyday life, where do you find moments of stillness? How can you create more space for calm reflection, even in busy moments? Contemplate how stillness helps you reconnect with yourself and your surroundings.

The recording of yesterday's meditation class/podcast about overcoming the fear of failing is out now. You can listen to it through my Vero account here: vero.co/seb_tmg/CBW-Z2tWkLhbnN Or by joining the Transformational Meditation Telegram Channel here: t.me/TMGmeditations/415

@meditation
@consciousliving

#MeditationPodcast #TransformationalMeditation #MindfulnessPractice #InnerPeace #SpiritualGrowth #MeditationClass #MindfulLiving #PodcastRelease #DailyMeditation #TMGcommunity #MeditationChannel

In our fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the journey our food takes before it reaches our plates. We often eat on the go, distracted by screens, or in a rush, without truly appreciating the nourishment we receive. Mindful eating invites us to slow down and savor each bite, bringing a deeper awareness and gratitude for the food we consume.

What is Mindful Eating?

Mindful eating is the practice of being fully present and engaged while eating. It’s about appreciating the colors, textures, and flavors of our food, and understanding the journey it took to arrive at our table. This practice isn’t tied to any particular spiritual or religious tradition; it’s simply about cultivating a deeper connection with the food we eat and the process that brings it to us.

The Journey of Food: From Seed to Plate

  • The Seed: Every piece of food starts from a seed. Imagine the tiny seed planted in the earth, nurtured by the soil, water, and sunlight. Farmers care for these seeds, ensuring they have the best chance to grow.
  • Growth: Picture the seed sprouting, growing into a plant or tree. The plant endures various weather conditions, receiving care from farmers who protect it from pests and provide the nutrients it needs to thrive.
  • Harvest: When the time is right, the food is harvested. This might involve picking fruit from trees, gathering grains, or pulling vegetables from the ground. Consider the effort and dedication required to harvest the food at its peak.
  • Transportation: After harvest, the food is transported. It may travel long distances, passing through the hands of many workers, from packers and drivers to warehouse staff and store employees, all playing a role in delivering the food to us.
  • Processing and Distribution: Some foods undergo processing—washing, sorting, and packaging—before reaching the market. Think about the systems and people involved in these steps, ensuring the food is safe and ready for consumption.
  • Purchase: Whether from a grocery store, market, or directly from a farm, purchasing food is an act that connects us to the larger food system. It involves choices that reflect our tastes, needs, and values.
  • Preparation: Preparing food can be a mindful activity in itself. Washing, cutting, cooking, and arranging food requires attention and care. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the transformation of ingredients into a meal.

Practicing Mindful Eating

To begin practicing mindful eating, try this simple exercise:

  • Choose Your Food: Select a piece of food, like an apple or a piece of bread.
  • Observe: Take a moment to look at the food. Notice its color, shape, and texture. Feel its weight in your hand.
  • Imagine the Journey: Visualize the journey this food took to reach you, from seed to harvest, transportation, and preparation.
  • Savor the Flavor: Take a small bite and chew slowly. Pay attention to the flavors and textures. Notice how the food changes as you chew.
  • Express Gratitude: Reflect on the effort involved in bringing this food to your table. Feel gratitude for the earth, the farmers, the workers, and everyone who played a part.

Benefits of Mindful Eating

  • Enhanced Gratitude: Appreciating the journey of food fosters a sense of gratitude for the nourishment we receive.
  • Better Digestion: Eating slowly and mindfully can improve digestion and help us recognize when we’re full.
  • Greater Enjoyment: Mindful eating allows us to savor the flavors and textures of our food, enhancing our eating experience.
  • Healthier Choices: When we eat mindfully, we’re more likely to make healthier food choices and enjoy balanced meals.

Conclusion

Mindful eating is a simple yet powerful practice that can transform our relationship with food. By slowing down and appreciating the journey of our food, we cultivate gratitude and mindfulness in our daily lives. Whether you’re familiar with meditation or not, mindful eating is an accessible way to bring more awareness and enjoyment to your meals.

Give it a try with your next meal and discover the difference it makes!

https://richardsilverman108.wordpress.com/2024/08/13/discovering-the-art-of-mindful-eating/

#digestion #eatingMeditation #foodAppreciation #foodJourney #foodMindfulness #gratitude #healthyEating #InnerPeace #meditation #meditationTechniques #mentalClarity #mindfulEating #MindfulLiving #mindfulMeals #Mindfulness #mindfulnessPractice #nourishment #savoringFood #SelfAwareness #StressRelief

Introduction

In the journey of mindfulness and meditation, understanding the nature of the mind is crucial. Two fundamental concepts in this exploration are vrittis and pratyayas. These Sanskrit terms, drawn from ancient yogic and Buddhist teachings, provide insights into the workings of the mind. This guide aims to clarify these concepts, helping you integrate this understanding into your daily life for deeper mindfulness and self-awareness.

What Are Vrittis?

Vrittis are the fluctuations, movements, or activities of the mind. They represent the dynamic nature of mental events that arise and subside. Think of vrittis as the waves on the surface of the ocean; they are ever-changing and reflect the mind’s constant activity.

What Are Pratyayas?

Pratyayas are the specific contents or objects of the vrittis. They are what the mind focuses on or the mental events that arise within these fluctuations. Pratyayas can be thoughts, sensations, emotions, memories, or impulses. Essentially, pratyayas are the specific items carried by the waves of vrittis.

The Relationship Between Vrittis and Pratyayas

To put it simply, vrittis are the general activities or fluctuations of the mind, while pratyayas are the specific objects or content of these activities. When you observe your mind, you notice the vrittis as the background activity and identify the pratyayas as the distinct events within this activity.

Examples of Pratyayas

Understanding pratyayas through examples can help clarify their role in mindfulness:

  1. Sensory Perception:
  • The sensation of warmth from the sun on your skin.
  • The sound of birds chirping outside.
  • The taste of your morning coffee.

2. Emotional Response:

    • A feeling of joy when thinking about a loved one.
    • A surge of anxiety before a meeting.
    • A wave of sadness remembering a past event.

    3. Thoughts:

      • Planning what to cook for dinner.
      • Remembering a conversation you had yesterday.
      • Imagining a future vacation.

      4. Physical Sensation:

        • The sensation of your breath moving in and out.
        • An itch on your arm.
        • The feeling of your heartbeat.

        5. Memories:

          • Recalling a childhood experience.
          • Remembering a piece of advice someone gave you.
          • Visualizing a scene from a past trip.

          6. Impulses:

            • The urge to check your phone.
            • The impulse to stretch or change your sitting position.
            • The desire to eat something.

            Labeling the Qualities of Vrittis

            When observing and labeling vrittis, consider the following qualities:

            1. Stable vs. Unstable:
            • Stable Vrittis: These are steady and consistent. Your mind remains focused on a single pratyaya for an extended period. For example, a stable vritti might be a prolonged focus on your breath or a continuous feeling of calm.
            • Unstable Vrittis: These are erratic and scattered. Your mind frequently shifts from one pratyaya to another. An example of unstable vrittis might be a constant jumping from one thought to another, unable to maintain focus.

            2. Intense vs. Mild:

              • Intense Vrittis: These are strong and impactful. They demand significant attention and can dominate your awareness. An intense vritti might be a powerful emotion, like sudden anger or joy, that captures your full attention.
              • Mild Vrittis: These are gentle and subtle. They are present but do not overwhelm your awareness. A mild vritti might be a faint background sensation or a fleeting thought that doesn’t linger.

              3. Frequent vs. Infrequent:

                • Frequent Vrittis: These arise often, creating a sense of rapid mental activity. For example, recurring worries or repetitive thoughts that come up frequently throughout your day.
                • Infrequent Vrittis: These appear rarely, leading to more gaps and quiet moments in your mental landscape. An infrequent vritti might be an occasional memory or a rare impulse.

                Practical Application

                Practical Application

                By recognizing vrittis and pratyayas, you can deepen your mindfulness practice. Here’s a simple exercise to get started:

                1. Find a Comfortable Position: Sit or lie down comfortably.
                2. Set a Timer: Choose a manageable duration, such as 10 or 15 minutes.
                3. Breath Awareness: Begin with a few deep breaths to center yourself.
                4. Observe the Mind: Briefly shift your focus to the fluctuations of your mind. Notice thoughts, sensations, and feelings as they arise.
                5. Simply Notice: Briefly notice the overall quality of your mind’s activity. Are the vrittis generally stable or unstable? Observe these qualities without judgment, allowing your awareness to encompass the fluctuations without getting caught up in them.
                6. Identify the Pratyayas: Note the specific content of the vrittis, such as sensations, thoughts, or emotions.
                7. Breath Awareness: Return to the witnessing of your breath, perhaps noticing your belly or chest gently rising and falling.
                8. Repeat as Needed: When you’re ready, go back to briefly observing the vrittis and pratyayas.
                9. Return to Breath: Shift your focus back to a focused awareness of the breath and the open spaciousness of your mind.
                10. Rest: When you’re done, simply rest.

                By recognizing vrittis and pratyayas, you can deepen your mindfulness practice. Here’s a simple exercise to get started:

                Conclusion

                Understanding the interplay between vrittis and pratyayas enhances your mindfulness practice, providing a clearer lens through which to observe the mind. By developing a felt sense of these fluctuations and their contents, you cultivate deeper awareness and equanimity. This practice not only enriches meditation but also brings greater clarity and peace into daily life.

                Below is the original source video of the lecture with Swami Parvajika Devyanandaprana, from which these blog posts were inspired. Here you can explore the insightful teachings that have profoundly shaped the content and perspectives shared in this blog.

                🙏🕊️🙏

                https://youtu.be/tEK6wIanmgY?si=YUnu_NavrgGAWwRg

                https://richardsilverman108.wordpress.com/2024/08/12/understanding-vrittis-and-pratyayas-a-guide-to-mindful-awareness/

                #BuddhistTeachings #consciousnessExploration #Equanimity #InnerPeace #meditation #MeditationGuide #meditationTechniques #MeditationTips #mentalClarity #mentalFluctuations #mentalStability #mindActivity #Mindfulness #mindfulnessExercises #mindfulnessPractice #Pratyayas #SelfAwareness #spiritualGrowth #Vrittis #yogicTeachings

                A crucial aspect of meditation and mental discipline: the role of attention in stabilizing mental fluctuations (vrittis). Here’s how attention affects the stability of vrittis:

                Role of Attention in Stabilizing Vrittis

                1. Directing Focus:
                • Attention directs the mind towards a specific object or thought. By consistently focusing on a chosen point, you can reduce the influence of distracting vrittis and bring stability to the mind.
                1. Reducing Distractions:
                • When attention is well-directed, it minimizes the impact of wandering thoughts and external stimuli. This helps in preventing the mind from becoming scattered or chaotic.
                1. Enhancing Concentration:
                • Sustained attention helps in achieving a state of ekagrata (one-pointedness), where vrittis become more stable and coherent. This concentration reduces the fluctuations and irregularities in mental activity.
                1. Strengthening Mental Focus:
                • Regular practice of maintaining attention strengthens the mental faculties involved in focus and concentration. Over time, this leads to more consistent stability in vrittis.
                1. Creating a Stable Mental Environment:
                • When attention is maintained, it creates a stable mental environment where vrittis rise and fall in a controlled manner, similar to the smooth surface of a calm pool.
                1. Facilitating Deeper Meditation:
                • Stable attention allows for deeper meditation, where the mind is less prone to fluctuations and can experience more profound states of awareness and insight.

                In essence, attention acts as a stabilizing force for vrittis, enabling the mind to move from a state of chaos to one of calm and focus. This understanding can guide your practice by emphasizing the importance of cultivating and maintaining effective attention in meditation.

                Below is the original source video of the lecture with Swami Parvajika Devyanandaprana, from which these blog posts were inspired. Here you can explore the insightful teachings that have profoundly shaped the content and perspectives shared in this blog.

                🙏🕊️🙏

                https://youtu.be/tEK6wIanmgY?si=YUnu_NavrgGAWwRg

                https://richardsilverman108.wordpress.com/2024/08/10/stabilizing-the-mind-how-focused-attention-enhances-meditation-and-calms-mental-fluctuations/

                #AttentionManagement #CalmMind #ConcentrationImprovement #ControllingThoughts #DeeperMeditation #Ekagrata #EnhancingConcentration #FocusTechniques #MeditationInsights #MeditationPractice #MeditationStability #meditationTechniques #MentalDiscipline #MentalFocus #MindfulAwareness #mindfulnessPractice #ReducingDistractions #RoleOfAttention #spiritualGrowth #StabilizingVrittis

                Lesson 25 of A Course in Miracles presents the lesson: “I do not know what anything is for.” This teaching challenges us to question our preconceived notions and interpretations of the world. By acknowledging our limited understanding and releasing the need to assign purposes to everything, we open ourselves to divine guidance and clarity.

                This practice invites us to become aware of our tendency to judge and categorize based on our conditioned beliefs. By understanding that our interpretations often stem from fear and separation, we can start to cultivate a mindset of openness and willingness to see beyond appearances.

                Jesus often taught about the importance of surrendering to divine guidance and trusting in God’s plan. In Proverbs 3:5-6, it says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” This teaching aligns with ACIM’s guidance to surrender our perceptions and trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance for true understanding and purpose.

                By practicing Lesson 25, we align ourselves with Christ’s message of humility and trust. We learn to release our ego’s need to control and understand, and instead, open ourselves to receive divine wisdom and purpose.

                Explore Lesson 25 of A Course in Miracles with us, and discover how letting go of our interpretations can lead to greater clarity, peace, and spiritual awakening.

                Guided Meditation: Lesson 25 from A Course in Miracles

                Find a comfortable position, either sitting or lying down, where you can relax and be free from distractions.

                Close your eyes gently and take a few deep breaths, allowing yourself to settle into the present moment.

                Bring your attention to your breath, feeling the sensation of each inhale and exhale.

                Reflect on the central theme of Lesson 25: “I do not know what anything is for.”

                Contemplate the idea that your understanding of the world is limited by your past experiences and conditioning, and that you may not always know the true purpose or meaning behind things.

                Acknowledge that when you rely solely on your own understanding, you may misinterpret the events and circumstances of your life.

                With each breath, imagine releasing any attachment to needing to know the purpose or meaning behind everything, allowing yourself to fully embrace the idea of surrendering to a higher wisdom.

                Visualize yourself letting go of the need to have all the answers, trusting instead in the unfolding of life’s mysteries.

                Feel a sense of peace and openness as you surrender to the knowledge that there is a greater purpose and meaning behind everything, even if it is not immediately apparent.

                Repeat the following affirmations silently or in your mind:

                “I do not know what anything is for.”

                “I release all attachment to needing to know the purpose or meaning behind everything.”

                “I trust in the unfolding of life’s mysteries.”

                Allow yourself to rest in this space of surrender and trust for a few moments, feeling supported and guided by a higher wisdom.

                When you’re ready, gently bring your awareness back to your surroundings. Wiggle your fingers and toes, and slowly open your eyes.

                Take a moment to reflect on your experience, noticing any insights or shifts in perception that may have occurred.

                Remember that you can return to this meditation whenever you feel called to deepen your understanding of Lesson 25.

                https://richardsilverman108.wordpress.com/2024/08/07/lesson-25-of-a-course-in-miracles-acim-guided-meditation-i-do-not-know-what-anything-is-for/

                #ACourseInMiracles #ACIMLesson25 #divineGuidance #EgoAndControl #GuidedMeditation #HigherWisdom #HumilityAndTrust #InnerPeace #JesusTeachings #LettingGo #LifeSMysteries #mindfulnessPractice #Proverbs356 #releasingAttachments #SpiritualAwakening #SpiritualClarity #spiritualGrowth #SurrenderAndPeace #TrustInGod #UnderstandingPurpose

                Sherri Koehler (she/her)PDXyogini@toot.cat
                2024-07-30

                Tomorrow begins a new #BuildBetterBalance session.

                This fall prevention program for older adults meets online at 1pm Pacific for five weeks. Each week I share safety information and tools along with mindfulness and movement practices that are accessible and fun! Each class is 90 minutes with a brief break.

                You can still sign up. The class is offered through the Portland Parks & Recreation Lifelong Learning program and is only $10 for Portland residents or $14 for nonresidents.

                More information and a link to sign up is here:
                mailchi.mp/d40f84a66342/build-

                #FallPrevention #OnlineLearning #Yoga #YogaForEverybody #MindfulnessPractice

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