Sense Awareness is our theme for this month’s free Mindfulness calendar.
You can download the calendar HERE>>> AUGUST SENSE AWARENESS 2024
Sense awareness, also known as sensory mindfulness, involves consciously focusing on and appreciating the sensations experienced through our five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. This practice can significantly enhance mindfulness in several ways:
- Grounding in the Present Moment: By tuning into sensory experiences, we anchor ourselves in the here and now. This helps prevent the mind from wandering into worries about the future or ruminations about the past, fostering a state of present-moment awareness.
- Reducing Stress and Anxiety: Engaging with our senses can act as a natural antidote to stress and anxiety. When we focus on sensory input, such as the warmth of sunlight on our skin or the sound of birds chirping, it can trigger a relaxation response in the body, lowering stress levels and promoting calm.
- Enhancing Focus and Concentration: Regular practice of sensory awareness strengthens our ability to concentrate. By consistently bringing attention back to sensory experiences, we train the mind to stay focused, which can improve overall concentration in daily tasks.
- Cultivating Gratitude and Appreciation: Mindful awareness of sensory experiences can deepen our appreciation for the simple pleasures in life. Savoring the taste of a meal, the scent of flowers, or the texture of a soft fabric can foster a sense of gratitude and joy for the present moment.
- Improving Emotional Regulation: Sensory mindfulness can help in managing emotions by providing a neutral point of focus. This can be particularly useful during moments of emotional turbulence, allowing us to observe and experience feelings without being overwhelmed by them.
- Enhancing Interpersonal Connections: Being present through our senses can improve the quality of our interactions with others. Paying full attention to the sights and sounds of a conversation, for example, can lead to deeper and more meaningful connections.So we hope you will find our August Calendar helpful for your practice this month. Incorporating sense awareness into your mindfulness practice is a simple yet powerful way to enrich our overall well-being, fostering a deeper connection with ourselves and the world around us.
THIS MONTH! Come if you can! And if you can’t you can join us online.
August 30th – September 1
Weekend at Samye Ling, Scotland
FIND ROB NAIRN MEMORIAL WEEKEND INFORMATION HERE
Mindfulness Association tutors will be joined by lucid dream teacher and former Rob Nairn student Charlie Morley. Charlie has been working with veterans to alleviate their PTSD with incredible results, using the power of conscious dreaming.
There will be an opportunity to share memories of Rob, led by Lama Yeshe Rinpoche and many of Rob’s meditation students including Charlie Morley, who will be leading a session on mindfulness of dream and sleep, alongside many of your MA tutors, past and present. We will also be sharing short videos or remembrance from some of Rob’s students. Please see Heather’s video below.
We are also developing some exciting gifts for those who attend the weekend (online or in person), based on some of Rob’s key messages – more details to follow…
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- To help support your practice on this life journey we run DAILY GUIDED MINDFULNESS PRACTICES Monday to Friday 10.30am and 7pm – you are welcome to join us. It’s free.
- The Mindfulness Association has in place a widening access policy so we can help you attend courses if you are struggling financially, we don’t want this to prevent you from your practice.
- Try our FREE 4 WEEK email Course HERE
- Mindfulness Association Membership is also a great way to support your practice on this journey. For only £10 for a 6 month trial you can have access to monthly teachings, access to free recorded practices and 2 free online members weekends packed full of teachings and the opportunity to network with other mindfulness practitioners.
- YOU CAN STUDY MINDFULNESS AS A MASTERS DEGREE! AVAILABLE TO STUDY ONLINE.
- CHECK OUT ALL OUR UPCOMING COURSES HERE
In-Depth Mindfulness • Compassion • Insight • Wisdom • Teacher Training • Post Graduate Master’s Degree.