Everyday Mindfulness

Thanks for your input. Just to clarify, I was unsure whether people that count tend to count for the duration of their formal practice, or just occasionally as needed therein. I wasn't thinking of counting outside of formal practice. (Although I do sometimes count steps when walking, but maybe that ...

In the few books I've read, it has tended to direct the beginner to count breaths; in 1, out 2, in 3, out 4, etc until 10, and then start again at one. I have done this for a while but something in me is much more in tune with the idea of counting on the out breath, ie in, out 1, in, out 2 and so on...

Hello, Some time ago, I bought Finding Peace from Amazon for my kindle. At the time there were two versions available, one normal text-only version and one "enhanced" version that contained the audio embedded within it. I purchased the latter. Only after buying it did I realise that my kin...

Thanks for your reply Gareth - thoughtful as ever. I haven't really tried using sound (or other anchors), but since you suggested it, I've tried it once and will try again a bit more to see how I get on with it. I think my question still stands though - is it a sort of passive awareness that we shou...

I've found mindfulness a bit difficult to get into. I've let my practice lapse a few times but I want to try to make it a more permanent habit. One aspect I've had trouble with is focusing on the breath. I've read (and listened) about this from various sources and each says something slightly differ...

Hello, I don't mean to hijack this thread but falling off the wagon is exactly what happened to me too. I had a few days away, friends over for a few days, and a few evenings with (alcoholic) drinks after work. These are all things that get in the way between me and meditation. But I think in the lo...

Hi Liz, The stool that Jon has linked to there is the one that I use too. it was a bit of a gamble when I bought it because I hadn't tried it, but the reviews seemed very positive. I'm delighted with it! I've used it for every meditation I've done since I got it and its extremely comfortable. I use ...

Gareth,
Have a lovely, relaxing, and well deserved break.
I have to add a word of thanks too for finding the drive and energy to put this place together in the first instance. I think you've done a brilliant job and should be incredibly proud.
Monkeymind

I think I see both sides of the argument and I'm pleased we have heard from so many people on it. I must say that I broadly agree with everyone. Having the habit of striving is ultimately unhelpful in the long run and its with only the best of intentions that our more experienced friends warn us of ...

Hi I have been reading a lot on this forum about striving, and how its a bad thing. I'd like to offer a different view and see what people think. Its something that I've had at the back of my mind for a while. There's a meditation timer app which 'rewards' its users with a little star when it is use...