Self-consciousness vs mindfulness and awareness

[gavra]

Hello : - )

Sometimes while I meditate, but actually much more often when I chose to be mindful throughout the day, instead of mindfulness I only become self-conscious, and anxious a little. The example could be some delicate job, or activities where you should be totally relaxed and calm .How to stop becoming Self conscious instead of mindful?

[JonW]

Hi gavra,
Good question.
At the moment of self-consciousness, we simply become aware of the physical sensations and we observe our thoughts as thoughts - not becoming attached to the content of those thoughts. If the body feels particularly stressful and/or the thoughts become compelling, we use the breath as an anchor in order to abide in the moment. It's all meditation, whether one is sitting in the lotus or shopping for pork pies in Tesco. Every moment is an invitation to become mindful.
Cheers,
Jon, Hove