1 Aspect of Mindfulness That You Are Lacking: Einstein Knew It

If you are wondering what is going wrong with your Mindfulness practice? Read on.

One of the most popular modalities in spirituality over the last 50 years is Mindfulness.

The problem for those in the Mindfulness scene is their focus is on reading and collecting information. Rather than the actual practice of Mindfulness. The depth and insights from the Mindfulness come through the practice of Mindfulness.

“In theory, theory and practice are the same. In practice, they are not”

- Alber Einstein

For the how-to practice see this article.

Why Do You Need To Practice Mindfulness?

The benefits of mindfulness come from practice only. While reading is helpful, its practice that bears the fruit.

Yoga asana teacher, Pattabhi Jois, summed up the importance of practice over theory when he famously stated:

“Yoga is 99% practice, 1% theory,”

When you start doing the practice, magic follows:

· Reflect on your experience. The subsequent learnings from your reflection will allow you to refine your Mindfulness practice.

· Wisdom and knowledge. Wisdom is knowledge in action. Which comes about via practice. Knowledge is merely an intellectual understanding which doesn’t allow for transformation.

· Better Understanding. An understanding of yourself and the world around comes through practice.

· Application deals with real-life situations. After receiving verbal instructions you cannot say you can swim. If you want to learn swimming you need to get wet.

“Practice makes perfect.”

- Benjamin Franklin

And most importantly:

· Insights. They only come about from Mindfulness practice. These insights being: the pairwise occurrence of an object and the knowing of it, which leads to the insight of impermanence (and further insights will unfold after this, which are beyond the scope of this article.)

What Do You Want From Mindfulness?

Be honest in what you would like from Mindfulness.

This is what will drive your motivation to practice.

If you are not clear then you will be seduced by the shiny objects in the world. Technology is turning you into a rat in a cage with the occasional shock.

What do I want in this life? How important is my Mindfulness practice? Which Mindfulness technique will I commit to? Be honest with yourself.

If you are only reading you then sit in judgment of others. And your experience will be ‘I know better than you.’

Bottom line: Purpose will drive your practice. And practice will achieve your purpose.

Dr. Shauna Shapiro talks about the power of practicing Mindfulness here in her popular TED talk: