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Rewiring the Brain with Mindfulness

  • Writer: A.J
    A.J
  • Feb 5, 2024
  • 2 min read

Mindfulness is a form of meditation that summarizes into noticing the self, observing the workings of all the senses at any one time; embracing the flow of the thoughts and emotions, and consenting wherever it takes you.

The practice of mindfulness has roots in many religions of the world (Trousselard et al., 2014). In the west, this emerging practice rooted in Buddhism (Brazier, 2013) is now becoming an uprising secular mindfulness in its own right. Widely used within therapeutic and rapidly emerging in clinical settings the world over, secular mindfulness is here to stay (Kabat-Zinn, 2003).


Evidence shows that mindfulness practice can bring about calmness in the practitioner, thus allowing one to cultivate a sense of tranquillity within one’s mind; through changes in brain activity. These findings indicate that mindfulness can be a useful tool to manage one’s mental and emotional wellbeing without deviating from one’s beliefs or faiths.


Mindfulness vs Meditation

There are many kinds of meditation - from focus attention (i.e. candle gazing, trataka), transcendental (i.e. mantra, zikir), constructive and deconstructive nature (i.e. compassion-based). Mindfulness is a form of meditation of awareness and focus attention and is commonly measured using the standard five facets which comprise of the ability to 1) observe, 2) describe, 3) acting with awareness, 4) non-judgemental and 5) non-reactivity.


How to start practising simple mindfulness?

1.       Finding a comfortable space to sit upright but relaxed, soften face, relax shoulders

2.       Bring an intention – quietly say to yourself ‘I intend to be present’

3.       You can close your eyes or just gaze towards the tip of the nose or ahead

4.       Pay attention to the breath, equalise count of inhale and exhale to what is comfortable for you in the moment; example - 2 counts in/2 counts out or 3 counts in/3 counts out for about 5 breaths

5.       Then deepen inhale and extend exhale for about 5 breaths

6.       Let go of the breath

7.       Take attention to body sensations, from the tip of the toes to the top of the head and repeat from top of the head to the tips of the toes

8.       Then let go of the body

9.       Take your attention to the ground beneath you and the space around you

10.   Then pay attention to the whole experience

11.   Observe your experience for a few moments

12.   Journal if you can.

For audio guide-follow the link:

 

Author’s Info

Aidilla Jeharey (A.J) is a passionate yoga therapist and mindfulness practitioner known for her work with diverse clients, including survivors of torture, emergency services and students. As a CNHC UK registered Yoga Therapist, she brings a trauma-informed approach, creating a safe space for recovery and healing. Dedicated to staying abreast and upholding excellence in yoga and contemplative practices, she actively contributed to the establishment of UK-based Yoga Therapy Association. She now offers an internationally recognized 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training (virtual and onsite) aiming to create a positive ripple effect in making yoga and contemplative practices accessible to all.  In addition to her private practice, A.J’s work involved training and education within a specialist cancer hospital in the UK. 

You can send questions or get in touch👇🏼

Instagram: @suriayogauk

 

 

 
 
 

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