“The awareness that arises through paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.”
– Jon Kabat – Zinn
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness means maintaining a moment-by-moment awareness of our thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and surrounding environment, through a compassionate lens.
Mindfulness also involves acceptance, meaning that we pay attention to our thoughts and feelings as they are and without judging them. Allowing them to be and without believing that there’s a correct way to think or feel in each moment. When we practice mindfulness, our thoughts tune into what we’re sensing in the present moment rather than rehashing the past or imagining the future.
Why is mindfulness effective?
Mindfulness transforms how we relate to events and experiences. It creates a more spacious way of being in the world that is less reactive and generally happier.
Scientific research has found that practicing mindfulness is associated with changes in the structure and function of the brain as well as changes in our physiological responses to stress. The practice has a positive impact on our physical and emotional health.
What are the benefits of mindfulness?
Research shows that mindfulness helps people with:
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Pain & fatigue
- Facilitation of recovery
- Sleep
- Mental health
- Emotion regulation
- Positive impact on the brain and immune system
- Enhanced ability to deal with illness
- Lower blood pressure
- Lower heart rate
- Body awareness / loving awareness of the body
- Performance enhancement
- Increasing effectiveness at work / school
- Relationship issues
- Enhanced resilience
- Improves over all well-being