Mindfulness is the practice of being present. It is a simple idea but not so easy to achieve. The mind is constantly pulling us to be elsewhere, either remembering the past or ruminating about the future, thinking about another place where we would rather be, judging the person talking to us, or thinking about what we will say when they finish. Rarely are we present with what is going on right now.
Maimonides, the Rambam, writes in the Laws of Prayer that one must have kavana, intention, when he prays and if not it is better if he does not pray. How does one develop intention? One should sit for a few minutes before prayer and clear his mind of his mundane thoughts. This is what mindfulness practice accomplishes.
So as we practice mindfulness and get better at being present, we start to notice things like the sound of the wind blowing through the trees, the beauty of a flower by the side of the road, or the sweet sound of a baby’s laughter. We start to listen to what other people are saying to us and really feeling with them. We start to appreciate what we have in our life right now without longing for a remembered past or fantasizing about a possible future. We become more creative in solving problems and find the humor in situations that don’t seem to have a solution. We become a calmer, more centered, and happier person, and life becomes an exciting adventure.
8-week mindfulness course
Want to tap into the benefits of mindfulness to become a happier and more successful person? I offer a one-on-one mindfulness training course for men. Sessions are currently being held online, so you can participate from the comfort and safety of your own home.
You will learn to:
- Relax your body and mind
- Increase your ability to concentrate and focus
- Experience the spiritual pleasure of living in the moment
- Improve your personal connection to G-d
Learn how to be present and become a calmer, more centered person.
Contact me for a complimentary consultation.