Traditionally summer has been a time to wind down, to step away from work and our normal routines, to take a vacation and reconnect with who and what is important to us. However thanks to the continual evolution of technology, we find ourselves increasingly unable to disconnect ourselves. Instead of enjoying a relaxing summer, we can become exhausted, unable to step off the treadmill and recharge our body and mind.
Jon Kabat-Zinn, Director of the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society and member of The Karuna School Board of Advisors says “we are 24/7 connected, but not to our bodies, our self or our awareness.”
One way to reconnect with our self is through mindfulness, the practice of living in the present moment and experiencing things as they are without judgment. Mindfulness is universal human capacity that can be cultivated, sustained and integrated into every day life. Mindfulness practice can be a formal meditation practice involving following our breath, thus increasing our ability to be present to our bodies, thoughts and feelings. It can also become a way of living that can lead to increased awareness and fulfillment in all aspects of our life.
This summer we could all consider following the advice of Jon Kabat-Zinn and unplug ourselves from the distractions that keep us from experiencing what is happening in the present moment. We could consider limiting our use of technology and cultivate a renewed sense of balance and awareness of what is most important to us.
We also encourage you to participate in the mindfulness meditation training for adults and teens that The Karuna School is hosting this October: Making Friends With Our Minds. Please visit our website for more information about this invaluable training.
Post by Kyle Greaves
