MPDR Archives Blog Post #372 - Sept 14, 2015

Step out of auto-pilot mode

and into this present moment

with 3 mindful breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman

“Mindfulness is just not neutral noticing. 

There are a clear set of attitudes which underpin the practice, and compassion may be the most important. 

Mindfulness just isn’t mindfulness without kindfulness. 

From the very first time we’re invited to come back to attention, we’re reminded to do this gently. 

Without this emphasis on friendliness, we set ourselves up for an internal battle, making struggle and stress as we try to force focus. 

Many people do get frustrated when they notice attention wandering, and it’s a key learning when they realize this noticing itself is mindfulness, 

and that it brings a chance to express care, understanding, patience, and love.”

-Ed Halliwell

excerpt from post The Power of Kindness

http://www.mindful.org/mindful-voices/the-examined-life/the-power-of-kindness-and-one-surefire-way-to-know-if-you-get

 

Wishing you many moments of 

kindfulness, heartfulness and mindfulness

this evening

Lee

M. Lee Freedman, MD,CM, FRCP(C)

http://mpdrarchives.blogspot.ca/

MPDR Archives Blog Post #371 - Sept 13, 2015

Enjoy the blessing of your next three breaths by bringing full attention to the sensations of breathing in your body

images by M. Lee Freedman

 That nothing is static or fixed, that all is fleeting and impermanent, is the first mark of existence. It is the ordinary state of affairs. Everything is in process.  Everything—every tree, every blade of grass, all the animals, insects, human beings, buildings, the animate and the inanimate—is always changing, moment to moment.

-Pema Chodron

Wishing you a happy, healthy and mindful evening

(And a Happy Healthy New Year

to those who observe the Jewish New Year)

 

Lee

M. Lee Freedman, MD,CM, FRCP(C)

http://mpdrarchives.blogspot.ca/

MPDR Archives Blog Post #370 - Sept 12, 2015

Pause

and intentionally bring caring attention 

to the flowing sensations of your next three breaths

 

image by M. Lee Freedman

 “since the brain is continually changing in response to how we focus attention, 

we can use our awareness in ways that involve the body and our connections 

to create a healthy mind across the lifespan!”

-Daniel J. Siegel and David Rock

excerpt from introduction to The Healthy Mind Platter: proposal of "seven daily essential mental activities to optimize brain matter and create well-being”. 

The following is an additional excerpt.

"Focus Time	When we closely focus on tasks in a goal-oriented way, we take on challenges that make deep connections in the brain.
Play Time	When we allow ourselves to be spontaneous or creative, playfully enjoying novel experiences, we help make new connections in the brain.
Connecting Time	When we connect with other people, ideally in person, and when we take time to appreciate our connection to the natural world around us, we activate and reinforce the brain's relational circuitry.
Physical Time	When we move our bodies, aerobically if medically possible, we strengthen the brain in many ways.
Time In	When we quietly reflect internally, focusing on sensations, images, feelings and thoughts, we help to better integrate the brain.
Down Time	When we are non-focused, without any specific goal, and let our mind wander or simply relax, we help the brain recharge.
Sleep Time	When we give the brain the rest it needs, we consolidate learning and recover from the experiences of the day."

To read the entire description, please click on this link: http://drdansiegel.com/resources/healthy_mind_platter/

     

Wishing you mindful awareness and a peaceful and healthy mind

Lee

M. Lee Freedman, MD,CM, FRCP(C)

http://mpdrarchives.blogspot.ca/

MPDR Archives Blog Post #369 - Sept 11, 2015

Use intention to direct your attention 

to the feeling of breathing 

for the next 3 breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman

“In a time of unprecedented challenge and evolutionary transition we must heal the wounds of the past, engage fully in the transformation of present conditions, and create a future of unparalleled dignity and beauty for all beings and for all life on Earth.”

 

~James O’Dea

 

Wishing you and all beings peace

 

Lee

M. Lee Freedman, MD,CM, FRCP(C)

http://mpdrarchives.blogspot.ca/

MPDR Archives Blog Post #368 - Sept 10, 2015

Bring mindful  awareness 

 into this moment

 with 3 conscious breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman

“And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom”

-Anaïs Nin

      Wishing you many moments of mindful awareness today 

Lee

M. Lee Freedman, MD,CM, FRCP(C)

http://mpdrarchives.blogspot.ca/

MPDR Archives Blog Post #367 - Sept 9, 2015

Pause to give yourself a moment

      to step out of autopilot

      by anchoring your attention

      on the sensations

    of the next 3 breaths

–      image by M. Lee Freedman

      “the faculty of voluntarily bringing back a wandering attention over and over again is the very root of judgment, character, and will. […] 

And education which should improve this faculty would be the education par excellence.”

       

       -William James 

 Wishing you many moments 

of returning your attention 

to the present moment

Lee

M. Lee Freedman, MD,CM, FRCP(C)

http://mpdrarchives.blogspot.ca/

MPDR Archives Blog Post #366 - Sept 8, 2015

Pause for 3 Mindful Breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman

Today was the first day of school for many children in Ontario. 

If you have the time and the interest, please click on this link to a 7 ½ minute video about mindfulness in the classroom 

https://youtu.be/Dzd444JvjCs

Wishing you and all the children in your life compassion, patience, ease 

and a peaceful evening

Lee

M. Lee Freedman, MD,CM, FRCP(C)

http://mpdrarchives.blogspot.ca/

MPDR Archives Blog Post #365 - Sept 7, 2015

Pause

Come into the present moment

by really feeling the sensations

of 3 or more breaths

packing to share with those in need: Image by M. Lee Freedman

“All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.”

-Martin Luther King Jr.

Wishing you

and your friends and family

 a replenishing and joyful Labour Day

Lee

M. Lee Freedman, MD,CM, FRCP(C)

http://mpdrarchives.blogspot.ca/

MPDR Archives Blog Post #364 - Sept 6, 2015

Pause

Celebrate your ability to breathe

by bringing full and friendly attention

to the sensations of breathing in your body

       image by M. Lee Freedman

You may enjoy listening and watching a music video called “Grateful: A Love Song to the World”:  http://youtu.be/sO2o98Zpzg8

Lee

M. Lee Freedman, MD,CM, FRCP(C)

http://mpdrarchives.blogspot.ca/

MPDR Archives Blog Post #363 - Sept 5, 2015

Pause and intentionally bring attention to the next 3 breaths

image by M. Lee Freedman

“All of my struggles with meditation just took me away from meditation’s core teaching: 

Be Here Now.

And somehow, as I’ve let go of what a “good” meditation practice should look like, my ability to just get my butt on the cushion daily has grown.”

-Hanna Cooper

(excerpt from blog post How to be an Imperfect Meditator)

If you are interested in reading the full post, here is the link 

http://www.thankthenow.com/how-to-be-an-imperfect-meditator/

Wishing you a mindful day 

Lee

M. Lee Freedman, MD,CM, FRCP(C)