We missed the anniversary, but Wildmind’s blog has now been around for ten years. Instead of listing the 10 most popular posts from the last decade, which would be unfair to our newer work, here are the top articles on meditation from the past year, in reverse order.
Often we think being kind to ourselves means letting ourselves off the hook when faced with a tough task. However, self-compassion actually involves offering yourself support, understanding, and encouragement during difficult times. It helps you tackle your challenges.
Focusing on just one small part of your breath doesn’t keep the mind busy enough, and it starts creating distractions. When we pay attention to many different sensations, the mind is fully occupied, less likely to wander, and more engaged.
Our mental reactions try to avoid or fix unpleasant situations, and turning toward painful feelings might seem counter-intuitive. But facing our suffering head-on actually reduces it.
When our eyes are relaxed during meditation, we can take in the full “scene” of our breathing. This richer experience reveals connections between various sensations, showing our experience as dynamic and interconnected.
Every breathing moment holds a lifetime. Our actions in each moment affect the next. Awareness of every breath allows us to influence the flow of reality, connecting past, present, and future—just like the inhale and exhale.
Try making a fist with one hand and notice what happens to your breathing—you’re likely holding it. Now, imagine breathing into the fist and notice how it wants to release. The fist symbolizes any discomfort or stress, and this exercise shows how we automatically tense up against life’s stresses.
You can sense the body as a living, breathing presence with its own intelligence and awareness. Just as you are aware of your body, your body is aware of you. Allow yourself to be seen by yourself.
Recognizing and appreciating what’s going well in our lives makes us happier. Psychologists say that gratitude is key to happiness. In one study, participants wrote a letter of appreciation to someone who had helped them, and they felt noticeably happier a month later.
We use our attention in two ways: as a flashlight or as a candle. The choice dramatically affects our experience, both in meditation and daily life.
The core teaching of Buddhism, around which all other teachings revolve, is that everything changes. Although it’s a common observation, the Buddha took the implications of impermanence further than any other.
There you have it—Wildmind’s ten most popular articles from 2017. I hope you enjoy these highlights and gain from what we offer in 2018. Thanks for reading!