The Aware Mind Exclusive Edition
Episodes explore mindfulness teachings, strategies and science, Episodes are released weekly. The "Exclusive Edition" includes guided meditations for better sleep, improved focus and emotional healing. Sarah Vallely is the author of four books on the subject of meditation and mindfulness, her most current book, Tame Soothe Dwell introduces a mindfulness practice based in taming the mind, soothing the gut and dwelling in the heart. Sarah also runs a virtual meditation center and trains and certifies mindfulness teachers and coaches. Learn more at http://www.tsdmind.org
The Aware Mind Exclusive Edition
Guided Mindfulness Meditation for Beginners: Kindergarten Mindfulness
Allow Sarah to lead you to notice a variety of stimuli, including your breath, body sensations and sounds in your environment. Rotating your attention between these different points of focus gives your mind just enough stimulation to stay alert and interested.
If you're new to mindfulness meditation, the key is to start simple and be patient with yourself. Mindfulness is about paying attention to the present moment without judgment. You don’t need to clear your mind completely—rather, you learn to observe your thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations as they come and go. A great way to begin is with focused breathing: find a quiet place, sit comfortably, and take slow, deep breaths. As you breathe, notice how the air feels as it enters your nose and fills your lungs, then gently exits your body. Your mind will likely wander—that’s completely normal! Instead of getting frustrated, simply acknowledge the distraction and gently bring your focus back to your breath.
With regular practice, mindfulness can help reduce stress, improve focus, and increase emotional awareness. Try setting aside just 5–10 minutes a day for meditation, gradually extending the time as it feels comfortable. Some people find it helpful to use guided meditation apps or focus on a mantra or a specific sensation to stay present. Over time, mindfulness can help you become more aware of your thoughts and reactions, allowing you to respond to life’s challenges with greater clarity and calmness. The most important thing to remember is that mindfulness isn’t about perfection—it’s about practice and presence.