Accomplished big goal today

Post here if you are just starting out with your mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is a really difficult concept to get your head around at first, and it might be that you would benefit from some help from others.
LucidMind
Posts: 81
Location: California

Wed Jun 19, 2013 11:14 pm  

Hello all!

Today I completed my first 45 minute sitting meditation (with no guided instructions). The longest I have meditated before was 30 minutes, and that seemed difficult! I am trying my best not to judge this 45 minute session, but I am very pleased with myself for doing it! Usually, I count every breath until ten, and then I start over. This time, I started back at one anytime my mind drifted off. This helped me a lot, because it helped me keep in mind that counting to ten was NOT a goal, it's just a tool. Towards the last half of my session I didn't reach ten at all! Starting over at one really helped me stay focused. I would even repeat one a couple of times if I was having trouble concentrating. Anyways, I thought I would share this success with you all! Have a mindful day :D

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FeeHutch
Posts: 1010
Practice Mindfulness Since: 01 Mar 2012
Location: Steel City
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Thu Jun 20, 2013 10:05 am  

While I totally understand the desire not to strive for anything more than to be present and mindful this still feels like a really positive step forward for you :) thank you for sharing :)
“Being mindful means that we take in the present moment as it is rather than as we would like it to be.”
Mark Williams

http://adlibbed.blogspot.co.uk/p/mindfulness-me-enjoy-silence.html
Find me on twitter - @feehutch

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Gareth
Site Admin
Posts: 1465

Thu Jun 20, 2013 11:42 am  

I used to meditate like this at first. The returning to one acted both as a recognition that my mind had gone and as a new beginning.

I think these little mini goals are probably very helpful in the beginning. After a while though, I just suddenly stopped breath counting one day and never started again.

JonW
Team Member
Posts: 2897
Practice Mindfulness Since: 08 Dec 2012
Location: In a field, somewhere

Thu Jun 20, 2013 12:04 pm  

Excellent, LucidMind. That's great to hear. As with everything, confidence begets confidence on the mindful path.
All good things, Jon
Jon leads the Everyday Mindfulness group meditation on Zoom every Monday/Friday, 6pm London-time. FREE.
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LucidMind
Posts: 81
Location: California

Fri Jun 21, 2013 9:46 am  

Thanks guys! I appreciate the positive feedback :) Hopefully my counting tip can help somebody else stay focused. I did 45 minutes again today! I think i'm going to aim for that daily...I could really feel a difference in my days

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