COJK,+Youngling+Assignment+11

Youngling Assignment 11
(Return to COJK Assignments) (By Atreyu)

Mindfulness
 * Youngling Lesson #11**

Please read through this and do the activity at the end. Post your results, and the answers to the questions, in your intro topic.

When you practice being mindful, you can see how "thoughts are just thoughts." As a Jedi, and as a human, you are free to release those thoughts, and keep your focus on God and the Force. By doing this, you can relieve stress, improve your quality of life, and even improve the ability to deal with physical illness. Here are some ways to practice mindfulness in your everyday life.
 * "Be mindful of The Living Force."** (Master Quigon) **"Be mindful of your thoughts."** (Master Obiwan) Be mindful, as a Youngling, you probably hear the Masters and Knights telling you this. "Be mindful of your thoughts, be mindful of your lessons, be mindful of what you have learned. But what is mindfulness really? It is paying attention to the present, to what is going on around you right now. Mindfulness consists of paying attention to an experience from moment to moment without drifting into thoughts of the past or future. Don't be judgemental or critical of the present moment, but rather just observe it. What thoughts are you having? How are you feeling? Where is your focus? These are examples of being mindful.

Pay attention to your breathing or your environment when you stop at red lights.

Before you go to sleep, and when you awaken, take some “mindful” breaths. Instead of allowing your mind to wander over the day’s concerns, direct your attention to your breathing.

Find a task that you do impatiently or unconsciously (standing in line or brushing your teeth, for example) and concentrate on the experience.

Make something that occurs several times during a day, such as answering the phone or buckling your seatbelt, a reminder to return to the present — that is, think about what you’re doing and observe yourself doing it

Here is an easy meditation to help keep you mindful.

Close your eyes, and take a few deep breathes. Quiet your mind, letting go of the stress you might feel. Pick a word, short phrase, image or prayer that you want to focus on. Concentrate solely on that, for as long as you can.

Once you are done, write down-

-What you thought -How you felt -Any images that came into your mind -What was going on around you (that you could conscously observe) -Perhaps what it was you were focusing on and why -Any other information you think may be important


 * Keep track of this information for a week, and post the results in your intro topic. Along with the results, answer these questions.**

1.Has this activity helped you to stay mindful?

2.Has it helped you to relax, and keep your focus on the here and now? Why or why not?

3.What are some other ways you can work on being mindful?

4.How does being mindful help you as a Jedi? As a Christian?

5.Does being mindful help to increase your faith, and trust in God? Why or why not?

As always, feel free to PM me or any of the Council members, should you have any questions.

May the Force guide your training.