What is Mindfulness?
So what IS Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of living in the present moment without judgment. When we are mindful, we notice our personal reactions to situations and can then choose to regulate our feelings and question our beliefs. We experience mindfulness through practicing self awareness, specific and focused breathing exercises, thought watching, and self compassion.
Benefits of Mindfulness
decrease in stress and anxiety in personal and social situations
better focus and concentration
feeling more calm and peaceful
increased self awareness, self acceptance, and compassion
increased empathy and understanding of others
Mindfulness has been proven scientifically to lower stress and improve physical, mental, and emotional health overall.
8 Facts About Mindfulness: (From mindful.org)
Mindfulness is not obscure or exotic. It’s familiar to us because it’s what we already do, how we already are. It takes many shapes and goes by many names.
Mindfulness is not a special added thing we do. We already have the capacity to be present, and it doesn’t require us to change who we are. But we can cultivate these innate qualities with simple practices that are scientifically demonstrated to benefit ourselves, our loved ones, our friends and neighbors, the people we work with, and the institutions and organizations we take part in
You don’t need to change. Solutions that ask us to change who we are or become something we’re not have failed us over and over again. Mindfulness recognizes and cultivates the best of who we are as human beings.
Mindfulness has the potential to become a transformative social phenomenon. Here’s why:
Anyone can do it. Mindfulness practice cultivates universal human qualities and does not require anyone to change their beliefs. Everyone can benefit and it’s easy to learn.
It’s a way of living. Mindfulness is more than just a practice. It brings awareness and caring into everything we do—and it cuts down needless stress. Even a little makes our lives better.
It’s evidence-based. We don’t have to take mindfulness on faith. Both science and experience demonstrate its positive benefits for our health, happiness, work, and relationships.
It sparks innovation. As we deal with our world’s increasing complexity and uncertainty, mindfulness can lead us to effective, resilient, low-cost responses to seemingly intransigent problems.