Mindfulness
Mindfulness
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is about paying attention in the present moment. Paying attention allows us to be more present in our lives. This sounds simple but it is not so easy. Being present takes some practice because our minds tend to wander to the past or the future or we are on automatic pilot. But we can train the muscles of our minds just like we do when we exercise the muscles in our bodies. Mindfulness practices encourage us to be more present in our lives, even during challenging times, with more acceptance and ease. Through mindfulness we can learn to be compassionate to others and ourselves in our life.
One definition…
Mindfulness means paying attention on purpose,
incrementally, in each moment, with a sense of non-judgmental awareness.
Adapted from Jon Kabat-Zinn, creator of the world-renowned
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program at the Center for Mindfulness.
How Do I Become More Mindful?
We already have the ability to pay attention. Maybe we were asked to pay attention by teachers or parents but most of us were not taught some basic practices to help train us to be more aware.
Formal Mindfulness Practices encourage our ability to be more present. These practices include:
- Sitting Meditation
- A Body Scan
- Gentle Yoga
- Walking Meditation
Try a Mindfulness Practice:
Find a comfortable place to sit, close your eyes if you would like or have a soft gaze looking down. Begin to notice your breath going in and out without changing it in any way. Follow the in breath and out breath. When the mind begins to wander (and it will), gently with no judgment go back to the breath.
Do this for 1 – 5 minutes daily and note your experience. Remember to bring self-compassion to your practice!
What are the Benefits of Mindfulness?
Mindfulness practices can help you:
- Be more focused
- Be flexible to the changes in our lives
- Reduce stress, anxiety, pain, and other symptoms
- Improve the quality of our lives
- Encourage kindness for ourselves and others
- Make healthier life choices
"I feel much calmer, less anxious about many things that used to cause me stress.
I sleep so much better!!! I am MUCH kinder to myself. "
Mindfulness Class Participant
Proven Results
Scientific studies about mindfulness practice have shown: decreases in anxiety, stress, insomnia, pain, and many other symptoms related to chronic illness and/or treatment; increase in positive emotional states; improvement in the immune system; improved quality of life; and positive changes for people with chronic conditions and life-limiting diseases.
Please contact Roz for more information or to register for classes.