What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment without judgment. Mindfulness helps us to wake up to our lives in the present rather than being stuck in the past or worried about the future. Past and future thinking often creates unnecessary suffering, unproductive striving and wasted energy but above all, WE MISS OUT ON THE BEAUTY THAT IS RIGHT HERE!
Why is Mindfulness Useful?
- Do you know where your mind is? We can begin to have our thoughts and feelings rather than our thoughts and feelings having us.
- We waste energy and put needless stress on our bodies when we are caught in unproductive thought
- When we are caught in judgments, we are blocked from being our best self
Research demonstrates mindfulness-based interventions are associated with various benefits for health and wellness, including:
- Reduced stress & rumination
- Decreased negative affect (e.g. depression, anxiety)
- More effective emotion regulation
- Increased focus & cognitive flexibility
- Improved working memory Davis, D, and Hayes, JA, 2012. What are the Benefits of Mindfulness. American Psychological Association, Monitor on Psychology. July/August 2012.
Attitudinal Foundations of Mindfulness
- Non- Judgment
- Patience
- Using beginner’s mind
- Trusting ourselves
- Non-striving
- Letting be (Non-resistance)
- Acceptance
Want to learn more?
Brach, Tara (2003). Radical acceptance: Embracing your Life with the heart of a Buddha. Bantam.
Brach, Tara (2013).True refuge: Finding peace and freedom in your own awakened heart. Bantam.
Kabat-Zinn, Jon (1990). Full catastrophe living: Using the wisdom of your body and mind to face stress pain and illness. Delacorte Press.
Kabat-Zinn, Jon (1994).Wherever you go there you are: Mindfulness meditation in everyday life. Hyperion.
Nhat Hanh, Tich. and Mai, Vo- Dihn (1999). The miracle of mindfulness: An introduction to the practice of meditation. Beacon Press.
Williams, Mark, Teasdale, John, Segal, Zindel and Kabat-Zinn, Jon (2007). The mindful way through depression: Freeing yourself from chronic unhappiness. The Guilford Press.
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