Is using mindfulness cues cheating?

[stopitaggers]

I'd just be interested in anyone's thoughts on this.

Formal practice is fine but during a busy working day I can go for hours being caught up in what's going on and drift into automatic pilot mode. I know some people use cues (post it notes, bracelets etc) and I will probably start doing so but I have a weird idea that I "should" be able to be mindful without any cues.

Do you use cues? If so what, and how does it work for you?

Thanks folks.
Dave

[JonW]

Hi Dave,
Though I've never used them myself, I guess cues work for some people. There's various apps, I gather, but I suspect it's easier and cheaper to simply use the timer on your phone.
Anyone else got any ideas here?
Cheers,
Jon

[stopitaggers]

Thanks Jon,

Using a phone is a helpful suggestion but would be too intrusive in certain circumstances. It'll be interesting to see what others think.

Dave

[Peter]

I'd advice to only work for a set time, and then take a short break to have a mindful moment. One can use devices such as a simple timer, a Fitbit (vibrate), or Gymboss (vibrate). Or use Pomodoro software.

[monkey]

Nope.



Find what works for you and do that. When what works for you changes, do that instead.

I don’t mean that to sound glib, and also I have struggled with this in the past (‘but am I REALLY meditating if I...’) but I do think that you just need to do what works for you and be ok with it.

A wise person on here also told me that it’s not possible to be mindful all the time, and that I could try just becoming aware of when my mind naturally cycles back to what’s here and now. I found that very helpful.

Cheers!

[monkey]

Actually, I do have a cue, when I am waiting, for example for a lift, to cross the street etc., I try to use that as a cue to see what’s happening with me. Also when I hear birds singing.

Years ago I had problems with my shoulders and did physio for it and the physio told me to put post its or stickers around, not with messages, just on a kitchen cupboard, bathroom mirror etc to remind me to stand properly. That really worked and didn’t rely on setting up timers or anything.

[stopitaggers]

That's great folks, very helpful. Thank you.