Many people still associate the act of meditation with religion, but is it possible to detach one from the other?
Is Mindfulness a Religion?
Many defined mindfulness as the state of awareness on one’s thoughts, physical sensations and environment. Mindfulness brings a person’s focus on the present moment and paying more attention to its purpose while disregarding possible distractions around you. Being in a state of mindfulness is being present available in the world. It is a fundamental human capacity that enables us to be in “a way of being in the world”.
When we hear the term “mindfulness”, we often relate it with practices of religion that involves meditating in the mountains or going on a retreat at a temple. Little did we know that simply focus on breathing or taking a silent walk in a park is mindfulness too. Cultivating this purposeful awareness allows us to be more present in the lives of the people important for us as we are giving them our attention which is considered as one of the most loving gifts that we can offer.
The origins of Mindfulness can be traced back to Buddhism, Hinduism, Taoism and Stoicism which are known religious traditions for some. We often associate the words “Mindfulness” and “meditation” to these religions since most of them practices deep breathing exercises which is a common practice in mindfulness.
We can say that every spiritual tradition practices mindful contemplation and silence where on has a direct awareness through praying and meditating. The way they meditate is full of compassion and awareness. We cannot say that mindfulness is a religion and also all religion is practicing mindfulness.
Mindfulness and Religion
Is mindfulness a religion? the answer is NO. You could achieve mindfulness by practicing it spiritually if you chose to, but you may also practice is just as a part of your daily stress relieving routine. One cannot force you to associate mindfulness with spiritual practice as no one can claim that mindfulness is of their own.
Mindful Breathing
Most religion practices mindful breathing as a part of their spiritual journey. Mindful breathing is a basic yet powerful mindfulness meditation practice. It simply brings a person’s focus and attention to the way you are breathing and feel its natural rhythm and flow. The breathing process has a great influence on how deep and great your relaxation will be. It can be done by standing or sitting down anywhere you want to. Here are the steps for mindful breathing:
- Focus on your breathing. Breathe in and out slowly. One breathing cycle should last for at least 6 seconds. Take your time while breathing.
- Breathe in through your nose then release the air through your mouth. Let the air effortlessly move in and out of your lungs.
- Let go of your thoughts and whatever it is that might be bothering you. Focus your attention on the task on hand.
- Watching your breathe can help you focus more. It brings a sense of awareness and it fills your body with it.
- Feel the awareness all over your body and release the energy to the world.