How Mindfulness Works and Where To Start

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The art of being in the moment.

In a chaotic world, people need everyday reminders to slow down, take mental notes of the moment, not dwell on the past or think about the future. That’s why we keep hearing the word mindful and mindful meditation.

Mindfulness comes from Buddism, and the best explanation is that it’s a form of prayer. Unlike in other religions, being mindful means being in peace with yourself, not another divine figure. The results are the same, and mindfulness meditation is nothing more than focusing on your breathing, right here and now.

When you’re trying to be mindful, naturally, your thoughts will wander. And you will start thinking about work, kids, what to make for dinner, or what went wrong with your prom date. Instead of pretending you’re not thinking, you should not judge your thoughts. Focus on breathing, while you “watch” your thoughts come and disappear.

Being mindful makes it easier to appreciate the pleasures in life as they occur. It also helps to be more engaged in various activities, because your mind tends to wander less if you’re practicing to be present more. Scientists have discovered that mindfulness techniques help relieve stress, treat heart disease, lower blood pressure, reduce chronic pain, improve sleep, and alleviate gastrointestinal difficulties. Psychotherapists have turned to mindfulness meditation for treating depression, anxiety, phobias, couples’ conflicts, and OCD.

Mindfulness works because it teaches us to accept the good and the bad emotions, without becoming involved or attached to them. It isn’t something you can do the right or wrong way; it’s just something you practice to gain perspective, similar to cognitive behavioral therapy.

Apart from meditation, mindfulness techniques include noticing body sensations, noticing sights, sounds, smells, tastes, and touches, as well as allowing and accepting emotions while giving them names. Yoga or Tai Chi are great ways to include mindfulness into your work, our routine.

You are never too old or too young for mindfulness. On the contrary, if you start teaching your children mindfulness from an early age, they will grow up into more grateful and more confident adults. Seniors who are learning to be present will enjoy life more, and be at lesser risk of elderly depression.

Mindfulness is a tool, not a cure or a medication. It’s up to you to use it and see where it takes you. But considering our living arrangements and the hours we work, it’s incredible that we have something so great in our lives, yet we tend to forget to use it.

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