Vipassana meditation
techniques for stress relief.(Collections from various books of Theravada Budhism ).
Part-3.
True mindfulness practice is
not limited to formal periods of sitting and walking but can be extended into
more and more of our activities during the day. Physically slowing down helps
keep us more grounded in our bodies, and lessens the distracting effect of
fast-moving thoughts.
All of these practices aim to
develop the calmness that unveils our capacity to experience things as they
really are. This direct experience leads to genuine happiness, to freedom from
suffering.
Meditation on the breath
Sit comfortably, with the
head, neck, and chest in a relatively straight line. Be relaxed yet alert.
Be directly aware of the
physical sensations of the body while you are sitting: the contact your body
makes with the cushion or bench.
Meditation on the breath
continued
Breathe naturally. There is no
need to control the breath in any special way. It can be helpful to begin by
becoming aware of sounds as they come and go.
Notice the difference between
the bare experience of hearing and any thoughts or images that may be triggered
by the sound. Notice how you don't have to make an effort to hear as long as
you pay attention.
Then, after some time, let the
sounds be in the background and bring your attention back into your body, to
the breath.
Be directly aware of the
physical sensations of the breath, either at the nostrils, in the throat or
chest, or in the belly.
Use soft mental notes such as
"in" and "out" or "rising" and "falling," if it helps you stay in
touch with the breath. The note is a pointer or reminder to you of the direct
experience of the breath and not a substitute for it.
Think of the breath as your
home. Whenever you become aware that your mind has wandered away from it,
simply return home, again and again.
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