Mindfulness is a term you might have heard of, but have questions about, so we put together a question and answer section on mindfulness and how to practice it for benefits to you and your daily well-being.
Q: What is mindfulness?
A: Mindfulness means mentally paying attention to what happens in your life in a particular way – on purpose, in the present moment, and non-judgmentally. Essentially, the main focus of mindfulness is to learn how to purposely pay attention to everyday moments by practicing specially developed mindfulness meditation practices. With practice, you learn to slow down or stop “brain chatter.” Therefore, you experience the present moment as it really is. Mindfulness is not a religion and there’s no religious component to it. Anyone, with any belief system, can enjoy the benefits of mindfulness.
Q: What is the goal of mindfulness?
A: The practice of mindfulness itself is the goal. In practice you gain the ability to find your center and balance, as well as a peace that can stay with you as you deal with the ups and downs of your day.
Q: How is mindfulness different than meditation, or than just relaxing?
A: Mindfulness involves meditation but goes even further. A core component to mindfulness is being aware of your body, your emotions, and what is happening at any given moment outside of meditating. Notice sensations and identify cues that will bring you back to your mindfulness. Try to reduce the distractions of everyday life and practice living in the moment. For example, if you feel yourself getting angry about something that occurred throughout your day, instead of acting on that emotion, acknowledge its existence, take a few deep breaths and internally reason with yourself if it’s something that’s worth getting upset over.
Quote of the Week:
“Meditation is the only intentional, systematic human activity which at bottom is about not trying to improve yourself or get anywhere else, but simply to realize where you already are.”
