Want more iVillage? Sign up for our
Newsletters
Stress Management: Doing Meditation
Mindful meditation is when you sit without "doing" anything, and you focus on the present moment. As you do this, you let go of thoughts about the past and the future.
After you practice this meditation, you may find it easier to be mindful even when you are not meditating. Being mindful means to focus your attention on things that are happening right now in the present moment.
People's lives are busy. A person often does many things at one time. For example, you may be walking to the grocery store, making a shopping list, and talking on the phone all at the same time. But when you are mindful, you do just one of those things, such as walking, and you pay close attention to that one thing.
For example, as you are walking, how does the air feel against your skin? Is it warm, cool, dry, or moist? How do your feet feel as they hit the sidewalk? Do your shoes create pressure on your feet, or do your feet feel comfortable and supported? This is what it means to walk mindfully.
Test Your Knowledge
Being mindful means to be aware of only one thing at a time.
TrueWhen you are mindful, you are aware of all the things that are happening around you right now. There may be many things happening at this moment. For example, when you take a shower, you may be aware of the temperature of the water, how your body feels as the water washes over you, and the dampness of the air in the shower.
FalseWhen you are mindful, you are aware of all the things that are happening around you right now. There may be many things happening at this moment. For example, when you take a shower, you may be aware of the temperature of the water, how your body feels as the water washes over you, and the dampness of the air in the shower.
Continue to 
Why meditate?
Return to 
Stress Management: Doing Meditation
| By: | Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: May 11, 2010 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Lisa S. Weinstock, MD - Psychiatry | |
© 1995-2011 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.
