Developing mindfulness through video is different to simply watching for fun.
Watching things on a screen can turn us into a zombie. As we get caught up in the drama, the emotional part of the brain reacts to the thrill, the suspense, the terror, the excitement and the passion. The part of the brain that is able to respond thoughtfully and with awareness takes a holiday.
As you watch a video mindfully, the challenge is to see if you can watch without zoning out or getting caught up in the images/sounds.
- Can you watch with some of your attention on what is happening inside you?
- Can you keep some of your attention on the changes in feelings, thoughts, reactions, impulses and sensations that might happen?
After watching, you may also like to think about these questions:
- What videos do you watch to when you need to calm down?
- What videos give you energy when you need a bit of motivation?
- How do you use videos to help you respond to challenging situations?
Resources
Nature
World’s Very First Real Time Northern Lights (4.24 mins)
National Geographic Short Film: Flowers and Insects (2.50 mins)
Yosemite HD on Vimeo (3.57 mins)
What a Wonderful World with David Attenborough – BBC (2.00 mins)
Amazing flights with birds on board a microlight (4.22 mins)
See the Stunning Beauty of Flowers Exposed to Fire, Ice, and Ink | Short Film Showcase (4.09 mins)
Technology
Mount Fuji Synchronized Fireworks Show (2.58 mins)
Colours In Macro (2.24 mins)
Colourful Time-Lapse of Hot Air Balloons in New Mexico (2.42 mins)
ASMR/other
The most satisfying video ever (4.59 mins)
Crushing crunchy and soft things by car (4.18 mins)
Kinetic Art
Line Riders – Beethoven’s 5th (4.25 mins)
Dance of the Line Riders (2.13 mins)
The Lucky Yellow Marble (4.12 mins)
Amazing Colour Changing Dominoes! (3.47 mins)
Sport
Ski | Snowboard Epic Slowmotion (2.31 mins)
GoPro Awards: Surfing in WA with Ry Craike (2.15 mins)
GoPro Awards: Epic Cloud Cave Wingsuit (2.09 mins)