Mindfulness is a unique way of how one relates to each moment. Normally we operate like robots controlled by unconscious habitual patterns. These come predominantly from conditioning from our parents and society. We want to feel loved and safe. We primarily function from the drive to grab onto something that we want or push away what we don’t like. Mindfulness cultivates being present in each moment with awareness, acceptance, non-clinging and non-attachment.
There is no best type of meditation. A form of meditation may resonate better with you than another one.
Individual choice is important. Starting off with focused awareness theoretically may be the best way to start as it is an initial way to create stability of the mind. The breath is always available to focus on. In open monitoring the multiple changing objects may be difficult initially to bring awareness and concentration to. For some individuals it may be better to start with focused awareness and create some stability of the mind. Then shift to open monitoring.
– Phil Blustein
Why meditate? Is it to reach an altered state? Transcend the ego? Find enlightenment? I hate to tell you but the purpose of meditation is to simply develop awareness of the present moment. In focused concentration meditation we are developing awareness of the breath. As we develop concentration amazing things happen in our brain. MRI scans have shown that there is an increased activity of the prefrontal cortex, the executive function of the brain and decreased activity of the amygdala, the fear centre of the brain. As we practice we develop more emotional and cognitive regulation, calmness, better coping skills and less self referencing. What I have personally discovered is that the practice does you. I started off to meditate to relieve stress and over the years I have been given the gift of greater calmness, loving kindness, compassion and equanimity. I never intentionally started out to obtain these qualities. Meditate and be open to the unknown possibilities that may develop.
– Phil Blustein