3 Mind/Body Techniques to Start Using Today

Mindfulness is for Everybody

It has been said that the "buzzword" for 2018 looks like it might be: "triggered." The Urban Dictionary defines "triggered" as "when someone gets offended or gets their feelings hurt." It is yet-to-be-seen if this word will take the top-spot for 2018. We often observe, those who seem to get the most "triggered" are people who forget to smile. Thich Nhat Hanh, in his ingenious, sublime and innocent style would remind his students, "Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy." And, so, you have found one of the most powerful techniques of mindfulness in reading a Danbury Patch article--smile!

That's right, in your quest to become a more mindful person do this first, smile. Smile upon waking; smile at your children as they rush off to school in the morning; smile at your partner when he/she comes in from doing yard work; smile at your colleague who tries to take credit for your work--again.

As pervasive as the word "triggered" seems to be, I have seen another word that has emerged as the contender for buzzword-of-the-year. "Mindfulness." In my experience teaching and researching mindfulness, first as a student of Eknath Easwaran in Berkeley California, never have I met so many people, from all walks of life, interested in this concept. Folks seem to be hungry for another way. They are tired of feeling like everyone around them is easily "triggered" and, for ourselves, we feel a stirring from within; we want to be resilient.

We are starting to have a hunch that something is not right about our "crazy-busy lives;" we want to get off the treadmill of multi-tasking; severely divided attention; unsatisfying relationships; feeling constantly stressed-out. The opioid crisis is the deepest expression of this dis-ease.

How do we get off the trajectory of being "triggered?" Is there really a way out of the pervasive habit that seems to have infected modern life?

Mindfulness.

The curative capacity of mindfulness is unlimited. It teaches individuals how to be reflective instead of reflexive. It teaches individuals how to recognize and strengthen the "space between thoughts," and, even more astounding, that we "are not our thoughts," that we have free will to choose how we respond to others.

Mindfulness also teaches self-compassion which is at the heart of emotional balance and well-being. Until we learn this essential life skill we tend to project our anxiety, fears and assumptions onto others. It is like having a relationship with Plato's shadows on the cave wall. And, yes, we are chained.

Mindfulness can start small. Thich Nhat Hanh talks about several easy techniques: the "tangerine technique" in which one eats a tangerine, with one-pointed attention, slowly and mindfully, doing nothing-else but eating and savoring this little fruit. He also talks about using a sound in one's environment, a train's toot, the garbage truck's rumble down your block, if you are lucky, the chimes of a nearby church, to practice "intentional breathing." Thich Nhat Hanh suggests saying this to yourself internally during the in-breath, "Breathing in, I calm my body." And, on the out-breath, "Breathing out, I smile. Dwelling in the present moment, I know this is the only moment."

Oh, and don't forget the above mentioned "smile" technique. Every time you greet a new person, see this as an opportunity to practice mindfulness, to stop, breath, look another person into the eyes and--smile. This mindfulness technique--alone--will rock your world! Hanh describes a "mindful greeting" as acknowledging the "Buddha nature" in another and hence unleashing one's own "Buddha nature." Practicing mindful greetings will remarkably transform your day-to-day relationships.

Three techniques you can start today--intentionally breathing, mindfully eating (start with a small piece of fruit such as a tangerine) and mindful greeting of others. Yes, we are all called to mindfulness, to give our widest "Buddha smile" wherever we go. Try it and see if your life improves.

Are There Any More Techniques?

There are many other mindfulness techniques. Importantly, some people are more naturally drawn to certain techniques over others. However, foundational to their successful implementation is a steady, daily practice of meditation.

In order to help us practice mindfulness, to keep motivated to stay-the-course, having a group to meditate with is essential. Mindfulness, in order to "stick," has to be rooted in a systematic meditation practice.

In the spirit of fostering a supportive group, veteran librarian Jodi L. Weisz, introduces adults to the practice using humor, warmth, and vignettes to reveal what mindfulness looks like in daily life. Belly laughs along with soft belly breathing are part and parcel to her approach. "My aim is to demystify the practice of mindfulness all the while showing its underpinnings in the 'relaxation response' as articulated by Dr. Benson in his break through book by the same title, The Relaxation Response. I often keep in mind the philosophy of Norman Cousins who taught that laughter is the superior emotional path towards a breakthrough or new thought pattern."

Mindfulness is for everyone.

You don't have to quit your job, leave your family and run off to join an ashram to become a more mindful person. Indeed, that is not the best way to accomplish mindfulness--anyways!

The art of mindfulness begins right where you are. It is free and open to everyone. It doesn't require the purchase of any equipment, exam, membership nor special talent nor ability.

"I was captivated by the practice as a 20-something year-old college student and was extremely fortunate to have met and studied under one of America's most beloved meditation teachers, Eknath Easwaran," states Jodi Weisz, MLIS. Since I was introduced to the gift of meditation, I have been pleased to be able to 'pay it forward,' sharing my research with adult-learners in Danbury, CT. Danbury is a city filled with folks dedicated to personal growth. "

When asked what her favorite part of teaching adults is, Ms. Weisz reflects on the connections and friendships students are making, "I have found inspirational adult learners who, week-by-week, are building-up a community of support, 'a satang' that comes together to learn, explore and imagine at The Danbury Public Library. Our adult patrons mostly do not know each other when they come into the Library, but soon they become compassionate friends who meet up and serve throughout the city, it's phenomenal to watch!"

In response to the question of what she hopes to achieve by teaching mindfulness at the public library, Weisz answers, "I recently told a class--that was filled to capacity--how excited I am for them to model mindfulness in their own sphere of influence in Danbury. I have seen it happening already, students are telling me stories of how they now have the patience to accept demanding family members, they tell me about reconciliation breakthroughs with their adult children, of increased energy to lend a helping hand to an individual in need. Mindfulness is so incredible and so our my students!"

The next session of 8 Point Mindfulness starts on Saturday, September 8th at 4 PM at The Danbury Public Library. The class is open to adults and mature teenagers. Registration is required. Contact Jodi L. Weisz at: jweisz@danburylibrary.org to register or call her at: (203) 797-4505 ext. 2278.