Wireless Meditation: Top Five Tips for Wherever-Whenever Mindfulness

The problem with meditation is attachment. We get inthe habit of needing our altar, favorite cushion,incense, CD, certain time of day, necessary length oftime, or particular style of sitting. If we can’t doit the “right” way, we tend to skip it altogether. Weget so attached to the trappings that we get a littletesty if we don’t have everything just so. nnThis is funny when you think about it. In Buddhism,the core belief is that life is full of suffering, andthis suffering is due to attachment. Isn’t it ironicthat we become so attached to the idea of meditation? Isn’t it a bit absurd to think of followers ofparticular styles of meditation as obsessive abouttheir own approach? nnI find it hilarious. nnI also find it destructive. nnI’m all for whatever works. If committing to a ritualis right for you, by all means, light that candle. Ifyou must do some yoga exercises prior to sitting, gofor it. If you need to go for a run before chanting,be my guest. nnHowever, if you find that your concept of what you needin order to meditate is hindering instead of liberatingyou, it’s time to take a look at what I refer to as“wireless” meditation. nnThe beautiful thing about going wireless—-whether it’swith phones, computers, or your own quest formindfulness—-is that you suddenly become unencumberedby extraneous connections. You can continue with yourday. You can go anywhere. You are free.nnJust as a wireless phone allows you to think of yourworkplace in a whole new way, mindfulness practicegives you the opportunity to bring attention towhatever you’re doing. Your connection to your mindand your heart is hooked up while you’re taking ashower, washing the dishes, walking the dog, or tendingyour garden. You no longer see mindfulness assomething you can do only if you’re sitting in yourfamily room before the kids get up. nnFor those who’ve given up on meditation, consider thefreedom of mindfulness practice. Here are fivequestions to ask yourself in order to stay connectedanywhere, anytime:nn* “What can I notice this minute?” Look around. Whatdo you see? What colors pop? What kind of light fillsyour space? What do you smell? What do you hear? Howdoes your body feel right now? nn* “Where can I focus my attention this minute?” Choose something within you—-a physical sensation, athought, an emotion. Or, go outside your skin andshine all of your attention upon something around you. Spend one minute in full discovery mode. nn* “What can I do to connect with this person?” Ifyou’re a parent and you’re feeling a little burned outby your child’s demands, stop thinking about how tofulfill a request and focus on how to fulfill a need. Can you give loving attention without giving a thing? Can you focus your full attention on your partner inthe way most likely to make them feel cherished?nn* “How can I bring more mindfulness to this task?” Whether you’re filing, copying documents, foldinglaundry, or scrubbing the bathtub, you can focusintently and intensely upon your particular task. Takenote of the textures. Pay attention to edges, creases,folds, warmth, texture, and color. Focus on themuscles you’re using in each step of the process. Feelthe bending, flexing, and stretching your body must doto perform each movement.nn* “How can I find more meaning in this moment?” Inevery moment, we have the opportunity to connect towhat matters most. We can choose to find a reason tofeel grateful, content, secure, uplifted, and caredfor. By paying attention, we can find value in thesimplest tasks and the greatest challenges. nnGoing wireless means you can choose to connect wheneveryou like. Find ways to tap into mindfulness withoutbecoming attached to meditation. nnUse your wherever-whenever minutes—-and get more.