Simple Habits: Meditation and mindfulness

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - If your days feel overwhelming, you’re not alone.

Many of us are looking for ways to make life simpler, easier, more productive, and hopefully, more meaningful. Sometimes small habits can make a big difference.

The art of sitting in silence sounds like it could be loud, at least inside your head. Barbara Gibson will tell you, that is the point.

“Watching how my mind works, paying attention to the habits of my thoughts, noticing what sensations are arising in my body, and then meeting whatever arises with kindness,” said Gibson.

Meditation is a habit Gibson started cultivating in her thirties.

“When difficulty arises I have more confidence that I can be with it. I don’t feel, every time, that I am going to fall off a cliff,” she said.

It became a kind of medicine, helping her separate herself from her anxiety.

“I feel like I can see what is happening and not be what is happening,” said Gibson.

She said the practice changed her life over time.

Gibson works at the Women’s Resource Center to End Domestic Violence. She uses meditation and mindfulness with the mothers and children at the safe house, to help them start to realize they are out of harm’s way.

“When I sit down with women individually, I do invite them into a moment of stillness doing so can bring you this sense of ‘I am in this moment. I am here right now,’ she said.

It sounds simple, sitting down in silence and breathing, but in a world full of distractions, moments of silence might feel strange; it is accessible though, healing even.

“Now that I know how to manage the experience, it gives me this confidence, I can do my life. I can show up for myself,” said Gibson.

We can all learn a bit about how to move through our own days by meeting other people. So, my question for you: What habits fuel your days?

If you would like to start a meditation practice, it doesn’t require any equipment. Experts recommend setting aside a couple of minutes, finding a comfortable place, and taking time to notice your breathing. There are a variety of meditation practices. You can start learning more by clicking on the link below:

More simple habits that can make life more meaningful:

• The power of connection
• Moving your body through exercise

Copyright 2024 WANF. All rights reserved.