Thread: Mindfulness throughout the day

sounds like a good idea, let me know how this goes please.

Thanks apple. It definitely acts as an awareness trigger. Whenever I remember to do this, I get additional awareness of my body and my environment for at least a few seconds. But it stays.. Like... I watch my inbreath and am more aware for a few seconds (up to 10), then forget it. But having done it a few minutes/seconds ago makes me more likely to do it again. So it's like it's on the surface of my mind and occasionally i forget and then do it again. But its only small and supplementary i think, because i need a relatively clear mind already for this to work, so i need to also sleep well and practice mindfulness.

but i havent really been doing this, just a few times a day, sometimes not even once in a day. maybe it needs some time to sink in, because right now it is still a new thing. wow this was already a month ago. maybe its not so new.... anyway ill let you know how it goes

I think just like getting yourself to do sitting meditation (which I still hardly ever do despite the well-documented benefits), you just need to start. Just resolve firmly to periodically really slow down, stop even, release all tension and thought chains and open yourself fully the present moment.

In addition to these "stop" moments, you can also resolve to maintain an active observing awareness all throughout the day. Be aware of your awareness! I am now really starting to work on not doing anything fast, or by conditioned reflex or reaction. I'm trying no to take anything for granted or do anything mindlessly. Including simple things like opening doors, getting something from the refrigerator, standing up, walking, etc.

The more you do it, the more you'll want to do and the more you'll notice those "zoned out" times. I catch myself alot now "waking up" to the fact that I've been doing something mindlessly and/or habitually, and tune back in.

I wouldn't worry about establishing any particular trigger, but if it works for you, great. I worked on breath in fact as a trigger last year but perhaps because I never established a regular sitting meditation routine, it didn't really stick. Usually I'll become aware first, then notice my breath, but sometimes the breath does work as a trigger.

currently i am trying sivason's sensory awareness meditation. i have done it every day, but only for 10-20 minutes. i struggle to force my self after the 10 minute mark.