Leaves on a Stream | Guided Meditation for Observing Thoughts | Mindfulness for Humans

LEAVES ON A STREAM MEDITATION with Jared Warren, Ph.D.
The Mindfulness for Humans Course is now available! For a limited time use coupon code 15MBS101 at checkout for 15% off!: mbs101.org/mfh
This is a guided exercise in being aware of thoughts, adapted from Russ Harris, ACT Made Simple.
How did the exercise go for you? What did you notice? Leave a comment or question below!
[Location: Crystal Mill, Colorado]
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• Leaves on a Stream | G...

[@jonathanmyers2891]

This is the exercise that helped me to understand mindfulness! The “action” of placing a thought down on a leaf helped me learn how to notice thoughts without being swept away in them.

[@MBS101]

That's awesome! Keep up the good work, Jonathan!

[@lael4114]

Please never delete this it's so helpful to me personally. Thank you for your work!

[@MBS101]

Thanks so much, Mac! No plans to delete! Keep coming back! :)

[@Lukey-Dukey-AUS]

Thank you, Dr Jared.

[@MBS101]

thanks for being here!

[@ATGFlickrGenius]

Before doing this exercise, I never really bought the idea that mindfulness practice could be a better use of time than working on something I'm passionate about, going about daily tasks, or increasing my knowledge through reading or other avenues. As a religious person, I also thought my time would be better used in prayer, actually communicating with God rather than with myself.
After doing this exercise, I came to understand that mindfulness meditation is an opportunity to exercise my mind and develop an ability to focus on and accept what's most important. The day I first tried this meditation, I felt peace during my busy schedule for the rest of the day. I also found profound beauty in the world around me. I remember walking to my car through the falling snow, late for an appointment. Rather than reacting poorly to the stress I was feeling, I was able to calmly acknowledge the stressful situation I was in, accept that I could not change it, and direct my attention to appreciating the world around me as I walked. I felt so calm and happy, and the snow that would have been nothing more than a nuisance was now a beautiful miracle to me. I'll never forget that scene. Now I understand that mindfulness meditation helps me sharpen the saw that is my mind, enhancing and enriching every activity I engage in throughout the day.
I would highly recommend this meditation exercise!

[@MBS101]

That's beautiful! Thanks for sharing this experience, Alex!

[@emeliacall4052]

I absolutely despised this meditation when I first tried it. It was too much to try and corral my mind into thinking about my thoughts! Now, understanding the purpose of meditation a little more, I love the opportunity to focus my mind on something so soothing and energizing. It’s one of my favorites because I can do something productive with all of my wandering thoughts!

[@katiejollands2689]

Only just recently been recommended this by someone. Hoping it will help with anxiety/stress and health anxiety. I’m really new to this.

[@MBS101]

welcome, Katie! Keep up the good efforts!

[@FatemeNoshadi-lw8qc]

That was really incrdebilly calming and relaxaing❤

[@MBS101]

I'm so glad.

[@Kenny0z]

Thank you, this is so far best meditation session for observing thoughts that I have run into. My mind always kept telling me to get away from thoughts when I did "leaves on stream" practice and I got frustrated about that. Now I can place thought top and on a leaf and let it be! No need to force the stream to take it away, just curiously observing it, not labeling them as a "bad" or "good".

[@MBS101]

that's great, Kenny; keep it up!

[@user-jz4vs2ee4u]

I love this meditation so much so perfect thank you ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@kyleh.8811]

I think you should acknowledge Dr. Russ Harris, who has offered the leaves on a stream exercise since 2012. This is a copy practically accurate right to the time stamps. i’m not talking down to you, I think he should get partial credit

[@MBS101]

Thanks for being here Kyle. Did you see the acknowledgement in the Description? Yes, I'm a big fan of Russ Harris's work. I can't speak to what you said about time stamps; this is an adaptation that draws from Russ Harris, Tara Brach, Jack Kornfield, and others.

[@andreahunsaker9752]

Beautiful location in this video. I’m so intrigued by this house

[@sambailie4773]

Thank you for this. God bless.

[@hannahweber3104]

I love this mindfulness practice! I usually have a hard time during mindfulness practices with putting my thoughts aside but I loved how this helped me to organize my thoughts and create space from them!!!

[@MBS101]

Thank you, Hannah!

[@lotta1023]

Thank you! This was a great exercise for letting go. 🙏

[@MBS101]

thank you, Lotta!

[@scruffydoggy]

Excellent version, thank you for your work.

[@MBS101]

Thanks, Holly - much appreciated!

[@chelseastarunicorn]

Thanks!

[@MBS101]

Thank you, Chelsea!

[@AwesomeManBeast]

Very calming I love it!

[@farkhandariaz9133]

Very helpful

[@lucillestevens5208]

Very relaxing ~

[@afriendlyone]

You could have at least put some stream noise for a background

[@MBS101]

Wait, you couldn't hear the stream? The audio was directly from the site. Anyway, thanks for being here.

[@TammyCondren]

This would have been so much more helpful if the narrator would have stopped interrupting the meditation.

[@MBS101]

thanks for your feedback. 🙏