5 things I've learned while training as a mindfulness teacher
Living mindfully, while learning and growing
There are heaps of things to learn before you can qualify as a mindfulness teacher. Concepts, practices, tools and techniques.
It’s been exciting to use my brain in a different way to my 9-5, and satisfying to begin embodying mindfulness in my daily life.
I’ve learned many useful lessons along the way. Too many to share today, so I’ll limit myself to 5 reflections.
Hi, I’m Holly - certified coach, Breathworks mindfulness facilitator and author of Zestful Zen. My mission is helping you to lead a more mindful, meaningful life, full of zest and energy, complemented by a calm, zen mind. Join the supportive Zestful Zen community today. 💖✨ 1
Mindfulness is an ongoing journey
The depth of your practice will ebb and flow depending on circumstances.
I’ve had weeks when I’ve meditated for an hour a day. But equally, there have been months where I struggled to squeeze in five minutes.
Sometimes you’ll have space for daily meditation, sometimes you won’t. Your favourite routine may slip away as the busyness of modern life crowds in.
But understanding the basics of mindfulness and embedding this knowledge into your approach to living will stand you in good stead.
Having a few short go-to practices in your back pocket can help when life is hectic: gazing at the sky, pausing for a three-step breathing space, savouring your coffee.
Guided Meditation: The Three Step Breathing Space
Practicing in the good times supports you in the tough times
As I kept vigil beside my mother’s bedside in her final hours, it was mindfulness I turned to for comfort – particularly loving-kindness meditation.
But I wouldn’t have had this resource available to tap into if I hadn’t practiced in more “normal” times.
Maintaining a regular practice – even if just for five minutes a day – builds those mindfulness mental muscles that you can fall back on when you need to.
Mindfulness can be uncomfortable
There’s plenty of empirical evidence out there on the benefits of mindfulness, from stress relief to pain management.
But living more fully in awareness means acknowledging both the pleasant and the unpleasant, without judgement.
It can be difficult, and it’s normal to feel resistance. I certainly do sometimes.
In mindfulness circles, you’ll often hear the phrase: “what we resist, persists”. Trying to push away unpleasant sensations doesn’t help.
Fortunately, with practice, you can learn to be with challenging thoughts, feelings and sensations, with self-compassion.
You don’t have to be still
There’s a common misconception that mindfulness means sitting still, meditating for ages, focused only on your breathing.
Seated meditation is one way of practicing mindfulness, but it’s far from the only one.
You can walk mindfully, focusing on the sensations in your body, or focusing on your surroundings.
You can eat mindfully, focusing on the texture, colours, flavours of your food.
You can move mindfully, through yoga, tai chai, Qi Gong, or simply stretching.
You can even make a cup of tea mindfully, focusing on the sound of the boiling water, the colour changing as you add the tea bag, inhaling the aroma…
The key is full awareness of the present moment.
If sitting still doesn’t work for you, try something else.
I found mindful movement an easier starting point, and now I even do Zumba mindfully!
A beginner’s mind will serve you well
Approaching your practice with curiosity and an open mind – letting go of preconceptions and expectations – helps you experience the present moment, as it is, without judgement.
Even if you’ve practiced for years, there’s always something new to learn or deeper insights to gain.
Keeping the openness of the beginner’s mind will help you to explore and grow.
I’m lucky to be a naturally curious person, but it’s not a fixed trait! You can cultivate curiosity, and mindfulness is a great way to boost it.
For example, try paying attention to your surroundings, noticing little details that might normally have escaped your attention. The more you do this, the more curiosity will become ingrained into your daily life.
Questions for self-reflection or journalling ✍️
How can you bring a beginner’s mind to your work or leisure time?
How can you carve out five minutes for mindfulness in your routine?
What daily activities can you do more mindfully?
What sort of mindfulness activities resonate the most for you?
Now take action 🎯
Start small. Choose one short mindfulness practice to integrate into your routine.
Commit to practice for a week initially. Notice how you feel after each practice, and after completing your first week of practice.
If the practice you chose isn’t resonating with you, try a different one. We’re all unique, and one size doesn’t fit all!
Try gradually increasing your practice duration over several weeks. Up your meditation from 5 to 10 minutes. Or take two mindful walks a day instead of one.
Mix it up with a range of practices. But you may find it easier to focus on one practice per week at first, while you master it.
Build your practice with kindness and self-compassion. It’s okay to “fall off the wagon” with your routine. Gradually ease back in, a few minutes at a time, without judgement.
If you need support and accountability, consider a mindfulness course or group.
Share your perspective ✨
I’d love to hear your reflections on mindfulness, curiosity and the beginner’s mind. Do you have a favourite mindfulness practice? Let’s have a conversation in the comments or subscriber chat. 💬
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