Being mindful is akin to teaching your mind to concentrate on the present moment and only the present. It's about observing your thoughts, feelings, and physical experiences without passing judgement on any of them. Without attempting to alter them, picture yourself simply observing your thoughts and sensations as if they were clouds moving over the sky. Though individuals apply this idea in various ways around the world, it originated with a sort of meditation practised in Buddhism. It can be used as a daily routine to help people feel more at ease and in touch with themselves, or it can be incorporated into treatment to support mental health. We could look at different aspects of mindfulness:

Present Moment Awareness: Mindfulness is about being fully engaged with the here and now. It means paying attention to what's happening in the present, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Non-Judgmental Observation: This involves observing thoughts, feelings, and sensations without labelling them as good or bad. The idea is to notice these experiences and let them pass without getting emotionally entangled in them.

Acceptance: Mindfulness encourages accepting things as they are without trying to change or resist them. This acceptance doesn't mean passive resignation, but rather recognising and coming to terms with things as they exist.

Compassionate self-awareness: Practising mindfulness also involves being kind and compassionate to oneself. This means not being overly critical or harsh about one's thoughts or feelings.

Connection to the Body: Mindfulness often involves a heightened awareness of the body, such as noticing one's breath, heartbeat, or sensations in different parts of the body. This helps to ground the individual in the present moment.

Regular Practise: Mindfulness is typically developed through regular practise. This can involve structured activities like mindfulness meditation, where one sits quietly and focuses on their breath, sensations in their body, or a particular word or phrase. It can also be practised informally by simply paying more deliberate attention to everyday activities.

Cultivation of an Attitude of Openness and Curiosity: Mindfulness encourages an attitude of exploration and curiosity about one's experiences. Instead of reacting automatically to life events, a mindful approach involves observing these experiences with curiosity.

Numerous advantages have been associated with mindfulness, including decreased stress, greater emotional control, increased focus and cognitive flexibility, and an all-around improved sense of wellbeing. It's a flexible practise that can fit a range of requirements and lifestyles and be an effective instrument for mental health and personal development.

Love , Andie