What is Mindfulness?
The word has certainly gained popularity in recent years and is cropping up everywhere in the media. While it elicits a positive association, what does it really mean?
Mindfulness is simply the practice of bringing your attention into the present moment. It’s about becoming observant of what is happening NOW, including your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. As opposed to being lost in memories of the past or anticipation of the future, mindfulness practice involves bringing your attention back to the present moment, to what are you doing, while you are doing it.
This attention is non-judgmental and does not label things as good or bad, it simply observes. Mindfulness opens doors to self-inquiry and contributes to a greater sense of self-awareness. Greater self-understanding can lead to healing, overcoming blocks, and empowerment to make positive changes in our lives.
There are many benefits to a mindful practice including decreased reactivity to stress, improved sleep, enhanced creativity and problem-solving, improved relationships, enhanced compassion for self and others, and overall satisfaction with life.
“Mindfulness is never about doing something perfectly, because it is not about doing or accomplishing at all. It is about allowing things to be as they are, resting in awareness, and then, taking appropriate action when called for.
Silence, deep listening, and non-doing are often very appropriate responses in particularly trying moments — not a turning away at all, but an opening toward things with clarity and good will, even toward ourselves. Out of that awareness, trustworthy skillful responses and actions can arise naturally, and surprise us with their creativity and clarity.”
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