Mindfulness
“Mindfulness is simply being aware of what is happening right now without wishing it were different; enjoying the pleasant without holding on when it changes (which it will); being with the unpleasant without fearing it will always be this way (which it won't).”
– James Baraz
What is Mindfulness?
Research has shown that our mind wanders off 47% of the time, either ruminating about past events, or worrying and imagining about future scenarios. Now that’s ALOT of time we spent not living in the present moment (almost half our lives we are missing out if you like!) while we are caught up replaying a past that has gone and can no longer be retrieved, and a future that hasn’t come and which we have no control over.
Is there any wonder why it can sometimes feel as if time just passed us by and we don’t even know how we got to where we are?
Is it any wonder why we feel overwhelmed, anxious and stressed up all the time? The untamed monkey mind does indeed bring about much grief and suffering!
Enter mindfulness.
In its simplest, mindfulness is the awareness that arises from paying attention to the present moment experience intentionally, with an open curiosity and a willingness to be with what is. By acquiring the awareness of the present moment without judging the experience, through practice, mindfulness can help us develop life tools to respond to experiences in a calmer and balanced way, bringing about improvement in our physical, emotional and mental health.
Extensive research has shown many benefits to mindfulness :
-
Balance and regulate emotions
-
Reduced stress, anxiety, depression, anger and other mental health challenges
-
Increased self-compassion, kindness, empathy, gratitude etc.
-
Improve communication and relationships
-
Bring about a sense of harmony and understanding
-
Deepen one’s sense of meaning and connection to the world
-
Enhance sleep quality and reduce insomnia
-
Improve immune system functioning
-
Reduce the experience of pain
-
Enhanced cardiovascular health
-
Improved cognitive functionalities like focus, attention and working memory
Mindfulness is more than a practice. It is really a way of life. “What you practice grows stronger!”