Welcome to this series of mindfulness, visualization and relaxation practices. The practices include meditation - an activity of directing one's attention onto a particular object or quality, and mindfulness - paying attention intentionally to the present moment in a non-judgmental way. These practices encourage an attitude of curiosity and acceptance of one's experience. Benefits of mindfulness meditation can include becoming less reactive to stressful situations, increasing self awareness and ability to focus. In hurried times, taking time to practice mindfulness, can be a way to care for ourselves, to increase compassion for ourselves and others, and to more fully experience the present. Mindfulness practices have been done over thousands of years and are rooted in Buddhist and other faith traditions. Contents: I. Breath and sound meditation (8:03) This meditation focuses on bringing awareness to the breath and to sounds as they are experienced in the present. When the mind becomes distracted, we are encouraged to gently return again and again to bring attention back to breath and sound. 2. Morning meditation (5:57) This meditation is a way to begin the day mindfully. Using visualization we choose qualities we would like to bring to the day and imagine the day unfolding with these qualities in mind. 3. Sitting meditation (13:52) This meditation is a way to bring focused concentration to the breath, to the body and to thoughts. It supports the gathering and calming of scattered thoughts and energy. 4. Lake Meditation (14:18) In the lake meditation, visualization is used as a tool to focus the mind. The qualities of lake are used to acknowledge the changing weather of our lives, as well as the stillness that lies within. 5. Body Relaxation (18:39) The body relaxation focuses on bringing awareness to sensations in the body and to the breath. The practice includes visualization and relaxation.
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