MIND & BODY
Mindfulness Meditation Story by Nidia Torres | Photos by Kassandra Eller | Design by Itzel Montoya
Humans have about 6,000 to 8,000 thoughts a day according to Yakima Valley College Art Instructor and Director David Lynx. That is about 2,500 to 3,300 thoughts every hour. Talk about a mind being full. The mind is like a rollercoaster of emotions. You might find that not a lot can be accomplished each day. A solution? Mindful meditation. Whether you realize it or not, you are unconsciously being mindful of what you do in your daily life. Being mindful can be important because it centers you around the present moment and helps the body stay in constant focus through practice and patience, according to Susan Nevada Barnes Nebeker, associate therapist at Heart-toHeart Psychotherapy.
The Art of Mindfulness Meditation Mindfulness meditation starts with wondering what exactly mindfulness is. Here is what you need to know. Maren Peterson, senior Communications major and yoga instructor at Indigo Yoga Ellensburg and the Recreation Center, defines mindfulness as “an intentional moment-by-moment presence through activation of the senses. Mindfulness cultivates to our current thoughts, feelings and bodily sensations with the absence of judgement and attachment.” According to Barnes Nebeker, the components that make up mindfulness are attention, curiosity, self-awareness and wakefulness. Barnes Nebeker says it takes effort and continuous practice to really get into mindfulness. There are a variety of benefits from practicing mindful meditation anywhere from pain to stress to anxiety or depression. 48
SPRING 2020 | ISSUE ONE
People With a Full Mind There are many people who enjoy practicing mindfulness, such as yoga teachers, people with busy schedules, individuals who work in highly stressful situations or those seeking change. However, you don’t have to be in any of these situations to want to practice mindfulness meditation.Lynx views mindful meditation as a life saver because through practicing mindfulness, he has been able to reduce his anxiety and stress levels. When Lynx was learning about meditation, he discovered something called R.P.M. This stands for “rise, pee and meditate.” According to Lynx, he would get up as the sun rose and meditate. However, to keep up with his ever changing schedule he would do something else called R.A.W which stands for “right after work.” Peterson practices mindfulness because she says it has enhanced her life in a variety of ways. As any student who juggles school, work and family, she has come to use mindfulness meditation to be able to keep up with her busy schedule. “Overall, meditation and mindfulness in the workplace or in [an] academic setting helps me be more present and level-headed and therefore enhances my experiences and relationships with co-workers, customers and peers,” says Peterson. Peterson prefers to meditate whenever she feels like it. She says that setting up a strict routine will most likely feel as if meditation is more of a chore than a therapeutic practice. Barnes Nebeker practices mindfulness because it helps her stay focused in her day-to-day life. She is a therapist and uses her mindful meditation skills to help others who need focus and self-awareness in their lives.
