Mindfulness

“Mindfulness means paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally.”  JonKabat Zinn

Mindfulness is paying attention to our present moment, with a gentle, non-judgemental openness and curiosity.

Mindfulness is also about paying attention and being aware all of us; our physical bodies, our emotions and all of our senses, rather than just our analytical minds.  It is a tool which helps us recognise that we are more than just our thinking minds, our thoughts are just thoughts; they come and go.  We all have approximately sixty thousand thoughts a day, once we become mindful and more aware we can choose which thoughts we give power to.

Mindfulness is about being, not doing; being present and in contact with yourself from moment to moment, in an open, compassionate and non-judgemental way.  As opposed to being stuck in our heads judging, analysing, ruminating and catastrophizing etc.; all of which can lead to a stressful mind, body and life.  It can also help you to deepen your relationship with yourself, as well as increase your emotional intelligence, which in turn creates deeper and more meaningful relationships in your life.

Mindfulness can be lived and experienced anytime, anywhere.  You can experience it sitting or lying down quietly somewhere.  You can also experience it in a group or individually.  It can be experienced as part of a walking meditation, or you can choose to take mindful moments throughout your day.  The beauty of Mindfulness is that you can tailor it to fit your individual needs and lifestyle.

Benefits of Mindfulness:

There has been a lot of scientific research into the benefits of mindfulness practice and the research shows an improvement in physical and mental wellbeing.

With regular practice:

• It can help reduce anxiety, stress and depression.
• It improves memory.
• It enhances brain function.
• It can improve the immune system.
•  It can help reduce chronic pain.