What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness brings careful focus to the present moment, providing the space for conscious thought and decision-making.
What is Mindfulness?
Through focusing on the detail of the moment without judgement, mindfulness can create a sense of calm and provide the space needed to make a choice when responding to thoughts or feelings.
Put succinctly, mindfulness is a very simple form of meditation. It brings awareness and consciousness to the present moment. The distractions and judgements of the world are ignored, and instead the detail of the 'now' is observed with compassion and respect. Time becomes unimportant and what is important to you can rise to the surface. Bit by bit, you find that you can detach from your thoughts and from the noise of the world. You begin to gain clarity.
But unlike much of modern-day life, mindfulness is about 'being' not 'doing'. Although mindfulness is known to be an integral part of Buddhism, practicing mindfulness does not have to be in any way spiritual or religious. It is a life skill. And anybody can do it. It can take as little as a few minutes each day. But it is a skill that first needs to be learned and then practiced.
But unlike much of modern-day life, mindfulness is about 'being' not 'doing'. Although mindfulness is known to be an integral part of Buddhism, practicing mindfulness does not have to be in any way spiritual or religious. It is a life skill. And anybody can do it. It can take as little as a few minutes each day. But it is a skill that first needs to be learned and then practiced.
How Do You Achieve Mindfulness?
Techniques can include breathing, movement and different types of meditation. We practice mindfulness using our senses, particularly both breath and body sensations, using them to anchor us to the present moment. We watch thoughts and feelings come and go, using physical sensations to return to the present moment.
Mindfulness is about accepting the present moment without trying to change it. Acceptance precedes change. If your mind wanders, simply notice this and gently bring your focus back to the present moment. This calmness and space for choice creates a freedom. You are free to choose where your mind goes, where your intentions go and where your energy goes.
Mindfulness is about accepting the present moment without trying to change it. Acceptance precedes change. If your mind wanders, simply notice this and gently bring your focus back to the present moment. This calmness and space for choice creates a freedom. You are free to choose where your mind goes, where your intentions go and where your energy goes.
What Can Mindfulness Achieve?
By noticing your thoughts with compassion and friendly curiosity, you can catch negative thought patterns before they cause you to spiral downwards. And as your mindfulness techniques develop, you will discover that you can remain detached from the thoughts that do not serve you. Being able to let go of judgement and accept a situation as it is can be transformative.
Mindfulness provides space for calm and considered decision-making, allowing you to choose what you truly think and believe, and respond to a situation in your own time.
Mindfulness creates space for objective problem solving and building confidence. In turn, these new skills increase resilience.
Mindfulness provides space for calm and considered decision-making, allowing you to choose what you truly think and believe, and respond to a situation in your own time.
Mindfulness creates space for objective problem solving and building confidence. In turn, these new skills increase resilience.
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