Like many of my generation, I was introduced to meditation in the 1960s, later, was taught Mindfulness techniques in the 1980s. and I subsequently trained in a variety of meditative techniques over the next decade.

Since then, I have continued to practise and explore mindfulness, meditation, relaxation, breathing techniques and other mind–body approaches. I have also taught these practices for more than 30 years, in settings ranging from professional training and therapeutic work to community groups and personal development workshops.

Over that time my understanding has become both simpler and, I think, more useful. That’s just one reason why, in my workshops and voluntary work, I teach mind-body practices.

You don’t have to become a different person. You don’t need to empty your mind, sit cross-legged for an hour, or develop a particular spiritual belief. And you certainly don’t need to be ‘good at meditation’.

People often say to me “I tried mindfulness and it didn’t work”. That’s usually because they haven’t understood. In my classes that doesn’t happen; we clear up misunderstandings like that from the get go.

The basic idea is much more straightforward:

We can learn to influence the way we respond to what happens to us by paying attention to what is happening within us.

Mind and body are not separate

We tend to talk about the mind and body as though they are two separate things. In everyday life, however, they are constantly influencing one another.

When we are under pressure, our bodies respond. Breathing may become quicker and shallower. Muscles tense. The heart beats faster. We may feel restless, tired or unable to settle.

At the same time, what is happening in the body influences the mind. Physical tension can contribute to feelings of unease. Tiredness can make problems seem more difficult. A racing mind can make it harder to relax the body.

This isn’t mysterious. It is part of the way our nervous system works.

The useful implication is that we don’t always have to start by changing our thoughts. Sometimes it is easier to begin with the body.

A slower breath, a change of posture, a few minutes of movement, or simply noticing physical sensations can alter the way we are experiencing a situation.

That is one reason breathing, relaxation, mindfulness, meditation, visualisation, and, if you choose, gentle movement can work so well together. Try it an see.

NEXT: What is mindfulness?