Mindul Exercise

[JonW]

"It's impossible to mindful all of the time. I think the aim is to be mindful more of the time."

Yes, this.
And to be sometimes mindful of the fact we're not being mindful, just gently noticing that.
Aiming to be mindful 24/7 would be just another form of striving and, even if you managed it, would probably be more like a constant state of self-consciousness than mindfulness.
Jon

[Matt Y]

I'd like to add that it's probably not even optimal to be mindful all the time.

Mindfulness is expensive. It requires considerable mental power, or energy. You'll run out of that eventually. Just as the body tires, the mind gets tired. By trying to be mindful all the time, you'll probably find yourself making bad decisions and being decidedly unmindful because you've worn yourself out.

Furthermore, we do many things better when we're not being mindful. However, we can use mindfulness when we want to change habits or behaviors, or learn new skills.

Driving is a good example. When learning to drive, a lot of mindfulness is required, as you work out what to pay attention to and how to operate a vehicle. However, once you are a competent driver too much mindfulness is a hindrance. It's better to let your body get on with driving for you.

[jayro]

I have found that instead of trying to be mindful all the time, I instead focus in large part on the level of consciousness I am embodying, as when I do that fully, I am naturally mindful.

Michael Beckwith from Agape and spiritual teacher Mary O'Malley are known for popularizing this concept of stages/phases/levels of consciousness. I really see them personally as 'mindful ways of perception' -- that is, once you move past the first two stages.

I know this probably sounds confusing without me actually explaining the stages... but since that is kind of an in-depth thing, I think it would be better to just offer a great summary that I found here: http://www.consciouslifestylemag.com/the-six-levels-of-higher-consciousness-how-to-make-the-shift/

She really goes into depth over the six levels and you can get a pretty good idea of how each one (starting at level 3) embodies various aspects and principles of a solid mindfulness practice.

This has been a helpful shift for me to let go of the need to always be practicing mindfulness, which I think may be counterproductive on certain levels, especially in relation to staying detached. Focusing on the levels of consciousness instead of simply being mindful allows me to really 'let go' and just be.

Hope that's helpful!

[Candour]

I have been mainly practising mindfulness while walking, during yoga and during certain parts of self-defense classes.
There is a newer "old is new again" form of mindful exercise I would like to try called Movnat. It looks really interesting. To save explaining, here is a link if anyone is curious

https://www.movnat.com

[JonW]

"This has been a helpful shift for me to let go of the need to always be practicing mindfulness, which I think may be counterproductive on certain levels, especially in relation to staying detached."

But needing to be "always practicing mindfulness" is not mindfulness practice. Nor is mindfulness about detaching from one's own life. Being mindful is being aware, being present in the moment.
Jon

[KathleenH]

I use a form of mindfulness in my training as I find I get better results. I visualise the muscles being worked and see the contractions and movements made during the exercise. It's really helped my form and I've seen great results in my abs which is a problem area for me.

Instead of just going through the motions and getting the workout over and done with, I find myself becoming more engaged and getting more out them. I'm not just lifting a weight, I'm contracting a bicep then engaging the shoulder...

I'm getting so much more out of my training now.

[JonW]

Sounds great, KathleenH.
Do you integrate mindfulness of breathing while you're doing those exercises?
All best,
Jpn

[KathleenH]

I dont concentrate on the breath whilst I exercise as I find I prefer to breathe naturally. When I concentrate on it I get a bit breathless.

[Candour]

I totally agree. Sometimes focusing on the breath is another thing that pulls me out of the present.
When running I find a rhythm and settle into the flow of breathing and the physical sensations, especially in my legs and feet.
With other forms of exercise I connect with the present through my senses and bodily sensations, I find deliberately bringing my breath into awareness feels forced and distracting.
I do like catching myself when I find that I am thinking myself away from the present moment.