Meditation and Mindfulness
master your mind to create calm and a new perspective.
The strength of a meditative practice
is realized when, in spite of compelling
thoughts, we are able to return to the
intention of watching them and again
become the witness.
by dr. vanessa m. Jaszczerski
A
nyone approaching meditation and mindful-
ness for the first time may wonder what it
means to meditate and be in a state of mind-
fulness. The most basic definition of mindfulness is
the practice of observation, referred to as the ‘meta-
cognitive’ awareness of what is occurring inside our
head.
Metacognition is our mind’s ability to actively direct and monitor our The field of neuroscience can point
thoughts. When we sit in mindfulness meditation, the goal is to observe and be out the parts of the brain responsible for
aware of our thoughts, without becoming actively involved with them. our senses. However, that which allows
The idea that meditation means a cessation of thought is a misconception. It’s for metacognition remains unknown.
like saying that hiking means we’re at the top of a mountain. Hiking will get us to According to Dr. John R. Searle, author
the top of a mountain, but there is a process that comes before reaching the sum- of The Mystery of Consciousness,
mit. The stillness of mind we can experience when meditating is a byproduct of “Consciousness does not seem to be
the meditation process, much like ascension is a byproduct of hiking. ‘physical’ in the way that other features
Although there are as many different ways to silence a mind as there are paths of the brain, such as neuron firings, are
in the Pyrenees, focus for now on mindfulness as a way of calming the waves of physical. Nor does it seem to be reduc-
thought that crash through our thinking. ible to physical processes…”
As you read this article, for example, you may become completely absorbed Searle believes that scientists will
in the act of reading. But when you begin to move into metacognition, you be- eventually come to understand which
come aware that you are engaged in the act of reading. You’ll notice your breath, physical features allow for metacog-
how you are seated, and the way your eyes move across the page. This ability to nition. Others believe the power is
watch yourself read is metacognition, the dual focus of reading and the awareness metaphysical. We need not wait on
that you are reading. It is this awareness that mindfulness that meditation fosters. others’ discoveries, because we have
Mindfulness is easier said than done. The mind doesn’t sit still, by its very the opportunity now to live out one of
nature. Often, when we allocate time for a mindfulness meditation, our thoughts the many mysteries of human existence
kick into overdrive. They become like so many beautiful flowers on a mountain- in the practical comfort of our own
side; lovely objects we’d like to stop and look at, but not necessarily anything able mindfulness.
to help us reach the pinnacle.
For example, you may sit with every intention of watching your thoughts—

Dr. Vanessa M. Jaszczerski is a licensed
and then your leg starts to itch, you recall an important errand that didn’t get done
clinical psychologist with a private
or envision the idea of a lifetime; a theme for the next great American novel or an
practice in Naples. She completed her
invention that could be pivotal to the success of mankind. All these thought are
dissertation research on the effects of
distractions to be observed, rather than acted on or followed.
meditation and yoga on sleep, happi-
Time invested in a mindfulness practice allows us to recognize our thought ness, depression and anxiety. Jaszczer-
patterns. Although the thoughts that occur during meditation are the mental noise ski teaches Master Your Mind (MYM), a
we are training ourselves to tune out, it is important to remember that they are a
course that helps individuals learn to use
necessary part of a mindfulness practice. The strength of a meditative practice is
mindfulness practices in everyday life.
realized when, in spite of compelling thoughts, we are able to return to the inten-
The next MYM courses will be August 26
tion of watching them and again become the witness. In this way, we build mental
and September 2 from 7:30 to 9 p.m. at
fortitude. How long we meditate doesn’t matter; what is important is creating a
Bala Vinyasa Yoga. For information call
new perspective.
239-404-4002.
August 2008 1
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