Mindfulness

Mindfulness is a state of mind, characterized by concentrated awareness of one's thoughts, actions or motivations. Mindfulness has its origins in Buddhism and is attracting increasing interest among western clinical psychologists and psychiatrists as a method of dealing with stress, anxiety, and depressed moods. It has been clinically shown to be effective for the management of stress, anxiety and panic, chronic pain, depression, obsessive thinking, strong emotional reactivity, and a wide array of medical and mental health related conditions.
In mindfulness, we bring complete attention to the present experience on a moment-to-moment basis. In mindfulness, we are not focused on what may have happened in the past, or by what may happen in the future. Instead, we open ourselves fully to our experience in the present moment. Often, we are so wrapped up in our thoughts and feelings that we are not totally aware of where we are, what we are doing, or what is currently happening around us. By residing more frequently in the present moment, we begin to see both inner and outer aspects of reality. Internally, one sees that the mind is continually chattering with commentary or judgment. By noticing that the mind is continually making commentary, one has the ability to carefully observe those thoughts, seeing them for what they are without aversion or judgment. It is important to be aware that the messages one hears during "thinking" may not be accurate or helpful, but rather may be translations of, or departures from truth. By practicing mindfulness we realize that "thoughts are just thoughts" and we are free to release a thought (let it go).

Practicing mindfulness helps us:

• To be fully present, here and now.
• To experience unpleasant thoughts and feelings safely.
• To become more aware of what we are avoiding.
• To become more connected with our self, to others, and to the world around us.
• To become less judgmental (by assuming the stance of an impartial witness to our own experience).
• To develop more patience (and accept the fact that sometimes things must unfold in their own time.
• To become more trusting (of ourselves and our feelings).
• To increase self-awareness.
• To become less disturbed by, and less reactive to, unpleasant experiences.
• To learn that thoughts are just thoughts: nothing more than pictures, sounds, and bits of language passing through our mind.
• To have more direct contact with the world, rather than living through our thoughts about the world.
• To learn that everything changes: that thoughts come and go like the weather.
• To have more balance, less emotional volatility.
• To experience more calm and peacefulness.
• To develop self-acceptance and self-compassion.