Dr Sarah Edelman who provides us with another tool for becoming more mindful in our everyday lives. Mindfulness is a technique in which a person results in being intentionally conscious of their judgement and events in the present instant, non-judgementally. It plays a significant role in Buddhism with Right Mindfullness meditation being the seventh element of the Noble 8 Fold Path, the Sadhana of which is to engender 'insight' and 'wisdom'. Mindfulness Meditation is an ancient practice that involves bringing one's attention fully to the present moment. This CD contains guided mindfulness exercises, spoken by psychologist Dr Sarah Edelman. These exercises help the listener to develop the skill of mindfulness meditation. Once developed, this skill can also be used to bring mindful awareness to situations that arise in daily life. A reassuring voice guides the listener to focus on aspects of current sensory experience, with intermittent reminders to refocus attention when the mind drifts off. Mindfulness points to: Being aware of and paying attention to the moment in which we find ourselves. Our past is gone; our future is not yet here. So what exists between them is the present moment. If I can observe and not get caught up in my thoughts, it is all that I have. The here and now, the present is the link which holds what was and what will be. My past was a series of present moments which brought me to this present moment. My future will be a series of present moments effected by only present moment in which I am now living, being, doing, observing, being aware or unaware, and attentive or un-attentive. "Mindfulness Meditation" contains 6 guided meditation tracks between 10-12 minutes in length for individuals with recurrent depression. Mindfulness is also beneficial int he management of anxiety disorders and chronic pain, and it assists in the management of cravings for alcohol, nicotine and emotional eating. Position: It is highly recommended that these exercises be practiced whilst sitting in an upright position, rather than lying down. The sitting posture helps to keep the mind alert, and reduces the likelihood of falling asleep. Intruding thoughts: Humans are continuously thinking creatures. When we try to focus our mind we may notice the stream of thoughts that vie for our attention and distract from our object of focus. Mindfulness involves a spirit of non-judgemental awareness. This means acknowledging the presence of thoughts when they arise, but not judging the process or becoming frustrated. Simply notice where your mind has gone and return ;your attention to the object of your focus. This may happen dozens of times (or more) during a meditation session. With daily practice, the intruding thoughts will become less frequent, however they will always be there to some degree. The skill is in learning to recognise thoughts when they arise, and then returning one's attention to the object of focus. Feeling Sleepy During Meditation: Sleep is a common obstacle during meditation - when you are asleep you are not meditating, so it is helpful to use strategies that reduce your likelihood of falling asleep: - Do not lie down when meditating - sit upright on a firm chair or on the floor - Do some exercise or activity before meditating - Allow two hours to pass after your last main meal - digestion can make you drowsy - Choose to meditate at times when you are less likely to be tired. Unless you are a 'night owl' don't leave it until late into the evening, when you are likely to fall asleep - Don't overheat the room - Meditate with your eyes open. Simply lower your gaze or make your gaze diffuse. TRACKS: 1. Introduction to Mindfulness 11:53 2. Mindfulness of the Breath 13:00 3. Mindfulness of Body Sensations 11:40 4. Mindfulness of Thoughts 10:40 5. Mindfulness of Sounds 10:30 6. Mindfulness of Emotions 10:00