David S. Black, PhD writes: “Mindfulness is a quality of human consciousness characterized by an accepting awareness of and enhanced attention to the constant stream of lived experience. Being mindful increases engagement with the present moment and allows for a clearer understanding of how thoughts and emotions can impact our health and quality of life.
“Mindfulness can be cultivated through meditation practice. Although mindfulness is an inherent human capacity that has been examined introspectively for millennia, scientific interest in mindfulness is burgeoning in the fields of medicine, psychology, social work, and business, as well as other areas.”
I now have a real bed, complete with wooden bedframe. I love going to bed in it. I go to bed about 1000, read awhile, then turn off the light and think or not, and wait for the kitty to jump up and join me, which she always does. She loves the skritchy wool blanket on top. and last night I even said a prayer to myself, the one my mother taught me when I was 5 or 6 and that I hated to say then, but which brings me peace now: “Now I lay me down to sleep….” and after the kitty jumps onto the bed I take a deep breath and sooner or later go to sleep (depending on when my last coffee was). and then, she will walk on my chest about 330-400 and I either get up with her or put her out and go back to sleep…..