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 recent content, we’ve decided to share the most popular meditation articles from the past year, in reverse order.
When we need to do something difficult, being kind to ourselves doesn’t mean letting ourselves off the hook. It actually means giving ourselves the support, understanding, and encouragement to face the challenge. This self-compassion helps us manage tough situations better.
Focusing on just one small part of our breathing doesn’t engage the mind enough, leading to distractions. Instead, paying attention to multiple sensations keeps the mind busy and more engaged.
Our mental reactions often aim to escape or fix unpleasant situations. Although it seems counterintuitive, turning toward painful feelings actually reduces our suffering.
When we relax our eyes during meditation, we take in the entire “scene” of our breathing. This richer experience allows us to connect various sensations, such as those in the abdomen, nostrils, and back, revealing a dynamic and interconnected experience.
Each breath holds a lifetime. Every moment impacts the next, linking the past, present, and future. Being aware of each breathing moment allows us to influence this flow of reality.
Make a fist and notice your breathing—you’re probably holding it. Imagining breathing into the fist often makes it release a bit. This exercise is a metaphor for how we tense against life’s stresses, often linked with breath holding.
We can perceive the body as a living, breathing presence with its own intelligence. Just as you are aware of the body, the body is aware of you. Allow yourself to be seen.
Recognizing and appreciating what’s going right in our lives makes us happier. Psychological studies show that gratitude significantly boosts happiness. For instance, writing a letter of appreciation can make people noticeably happier a month later.
We can use our attention like a flashlight or a candle. The choice between the two affects our experience quality in both meditation and daily life.
One of Buddhism’s core teachings is that everything changes. While this may seem obvious, the Buddha explored the implications of impermanence deeply, beyond merely acknowledging the concept.
That’s the list of the ten most popular articles published on Wildmind in 2017. We hope you enjoy these highlights and benefit from what we bring to you in 2018. Thanks for reading!