What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is fast becoming used in all kinds of ways to enhance mental, emotional and physical well-being.

Mindfulness practice is an activity that can be done at home or in organised groups. It is informed by different theories, religions and philosophies.

But what is it, exactly? It involves paying attention—as far as possible without judgement—to what is happening within us and around us. It’s about developing a very particular way of observing experience, whether it’s a feeling that emerges or a thought that arises, for example.

You might just catch a thought, for instance, as it leads to a memory that then triggers a shift in mood. Or you might tune-into the sensation of your breathing. It’s the careful observing and being ‘with yourself’ that counts in mindfulness.

How is it done? It’s simply a case of sitting (or lying) quietly, either on a chair or on a cushion, in order to focus on the mind. A very common technique in mindfulness is to observe our breathing. It’s a bodily experience that can allow us to be mindful of ourselves in the moment.

Many people find that joining a class or group helps them build mindfulness practice into their lives. At first, sitting for 5-10 minutes is enough. Later, people sit for 45 mins or an hour.

You may ask “Why do it? How can it help?”

This practice, that looks deceptively simple at first, effectively takes the mind ‘out-of-gear’. No longer is it beavering away at to-do lists and plans. No longer is it immersed in an endless stream of thinking mixed with anxiety and edgy feelings (you might say this is a mindless state!).

Mindfulness practice has a profound effect on the brain and body. It rests the whole system in a supportive yet attentive way. Free from side effects, it is proving beneficial to health in numerous ways.

Sources and further information:
http://www.bemindful.co.uk/about_mindfulness
http://www.mbsr.co.uk/video1.php


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