Mindful Living Benefits

We want to live rather than exist, but it feels scary to open our eyes. Once we see reality for what it is (versus what we want it to be), life gets a little uncomfortable. It may seem easier to just go back to sleep.

By taking a mindful approach to life, we become more in tune with the present moment. We start to live in the now — fully awake – because that is the only place from which we can take action. We find a more centered place inside ourselves, and when we feel centered, it is much harder for storms to blow us over.

There are a number of benefits to mindfulness. Studies have shown that mindfulness techniques can help reduce:

• Stress and anxiety
• Depression
• Sleep disorders
• Anger
• Confusion

There are so many more to add to this list, but I’ll write about them in the blog!

About Mindful Beginner

Hi, my name is Jen. I started this blog as a resource and online community for anyone interested in living a more mindful life. As a beginner myself, I have so many questions!

Here’s a little about my journey:

I spent years searching for answers. I searched for them in people, situations, material possessions — basically whatever put itself in front of me. I’d experience moments of happiness, but for the most part, I felt empty and confused about the direction of my life. I continued looking outside, and when my life didn’t change, I felt frustrated. I wondered if God was still with me at times, not realizing that I was the one turning away.

The answers I wanted — straight forward and definite — proved elusive. But teachers don’t always show their faces — especially when we’re not truly ready to see.

During one of the most challenging phases of my life, I experienced an awakening. Instead of continuing to fight and defend and explain. I prayed for forgiveness, love and compassion — and that’s when something huge broke open.

Mindfulness is a way to live in present moment awareness. It doesn’t mean we forget our pasts or make no plans for the future, it just means we don’t get stuck there.  This is a constant exercise in adjusting and readjusting, but the effort proves worthwhile, and the teachers eventually become obvious to us.

Instead of looking at a situation as stressful, depressing or defeating, we can see the lesson and feel gratitude. Even if we aren’t ready to accept the lesson, we can acknowledge it. Everyone, every experience and every living or inanimate object can be a teacher when we are open.

Mindfulness Credentials

Mindfulness & Nonviolent Communication Course (Stanford University), 7/2009

Silent Retreat (2 days), 6/2009

Mindfulness Retreat (6 hours), 4/2009

Mindfulness Continuation Course (MBSR), 11/2008

Mindfulness Course (MBSR), 9/2008