To sit down mindfully in silence is a kind of formal meditation, but its counterpart—informal meditation—is likewise helpful. This is sometimes referred to as everyday mindfulness, which means being aware or mindful as we perform our daily tasks like washing, driving, having a conversation, and so on. For this particular write-up, however, we are going to focus on the former—formal mindfulness practice—and why it is important to nourish this practice.
Formal meditation is deliberate. It’s a commitment that we make. We usually start with the intention to carve out a few minutes from our day to devote to the practice. Most of the time, even the preparation of our physical space is part of the whole process. We are most familiar with sitting meditation as one of the forms of formal meditation practice, but there are others: walking meditation, mindful eating, guided meditation, breathwork, yoga, body scans, and so on.
The importance of having a formal mindfulness practice
1. One can effectively master a new skill if there is regular practice. It’s the same with meditation. The practitioner will be able to understand the practice better and reap the benefits if there is regular deliberate and committed practice.
2. It allows us to slowly but surely develop the benefits of meditation so that when we are faced with challenging situations, we can draw on the practice to help us overcome our difficulties.
3. Regular practice will help us to deepen our understanding and appreciation of the practice of mindfulness. This way, we can receive greater inspiration to keep doing it and to stick to our regular routine.
4. With the help of daily meditation practice, we are able to transform our lives in the long run, cultivate peace and silence, and increase our energy. These are just some of the benefits that we can expect to receive when we are able to cultivate a regular formal meditation practice.
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