What is mindfulness?

And why does it really matter?

One of the most well-recognized Western definitions of mindfulness comes from Jon Kabat-Zinn, one of the central founders of the field and creator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (1979):

The awareness that arises through paying attention on purpose in the present moment and non-judgmentally in the service of self-understanding and wisdom.”

— Jon Kabat-Zinn

We believe mindfulness is the key to emotional wellness

An open and receptive attention to, and awareness of, what is occurring in the present moment

All humans have the ability to be fully present, aware of where we are and what we are doing, and not overly reactive or overwhelmed by what is going on around us. However, our modern and fast-paced world is full of distractions that helps us avoid the present moment. The more we avoid, the more we lose access to our innate ability to be present.

Distractions like social media, watching a video or listening to music, surfing the web and going down rabbit holes, or partying with friends can all contribute to mindlessness, which allows disconnects us from what is truly happening.

While distractions can be helpful to give us time to process and be with something we don’t want to be real, distractions and avoiding what IS happening is not healthy in the long term.

Therapy can help you slowly build coping mechanisms to be with what IS happening so you can learn how to be with emotions that feel overwhelming, painful or terribly sad.

Philosophy of Mindfulness:

1

Allows one to be non-judgmentally aware of thoughts and feelings so that they are felt and accepted
2

Mindfulness is an inherent human capability that belongs to anyone irrespective of race, creed, gender, you name it. It is our birthright.
3

Accepting negative emotions instead of resisting them
4

Bringing a ‘beginner’s mind’ to experiences as though you are seeing something for the first time
5

The ability to be on the spot—aware of what’s going on inside, outside, and all around, connecting with others—is part of being human.
6

No need for change — we already have the capacity to be present.  But we do need to cultivate these innate qualities
7

Mindfulness is an evidence-based practice validated by scientific research that has positive benefits for our health as well as relationships
What mindfulness is NOT:
  • Having a blank mind
  • Becoming emotionless
  • Withdrawing from life
  • Seeking bliss
  • Escaping pain
  • Converting to a new religion

Mindful Awareness

Interactions with others can fill us with experiences, emotions and thoughts.  Judgments, bias and beliefs come into these interactions too. Mindfulness can connect us to what we are thinking and feeling in the moment.   It can help us be aware of judgments and biases that often produce negativity.  By cultivating mindful awareness we can show up with grace, neutrality and compassion.

Cultivating Mindfulness

Meditative exercises and/or mindfulness meditation can be the first step to learning Mindfulness.   For instance spending a few minutes everyday to focus our your breath can seamlessly build mindfulness.  Also, being  curious about your surrounding through your senses can build mindfulness.  Exploring what you are seeing, hearing, tasting or how you are breathing can developing the brain’s ability to be present.

Mindfulness does not require a clear or blank mind.   It is normal to have distracting thoughts while meditating or practicing mindfulness.  Noticing distractactions and then coming back to your breath or sense develops our ability to be mindful.

Learn more about mindfulness Book your consultation today!