What is Mindfulness?

Mindfulness is getting a lot of attention these days but did you know it's been around for many thousands of years? It has its roots in the East and is most closely associated with Buddhism. About 50 years ago, a doctor named Jon Kabat-Zinn was one of the first group of westerners to travel and learn about it. He brought it back to the US and began using it as a treatment for chronic pain patients who could no longer be helped by western medicine. The results were impressive and a special program, Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR), was born.  Since then, mindfulness in all its forms and applications has improved the lives of thousands of people. 

Mindfulness is the awareness that arises by paying attention, in the present moment, on purpose, non-judgmentally 

                                                             -- Jon Kabat-Zinn, founder MBSR

So mindfulness is an awareness - but an awareness of what? When we are mindful, we notice things that are going on in our current circumstances - thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations.  Taking note of these things develops the awareness  - the observer - of our inner lives so that we are not acting out of habit or urge. Mindful awareness allows us to stop, take a moment before reacting, and respond instead to ourselves or other people. Developing this habit - "on the cushion" - leads to the ability to bring awareness to your everyday life.

Together, we can develop a practice of mindfulness that you can apply throughout your day to strengthen this awareness.  Why would we do that?

In a word, mindfulness improves well-being.  But again, wellness or well-being is a word that we hear so often these days that sometimes it's hard to figure out the real meaning. What is wellness to you?  

Here are some verifiable things that we know mindfulness supports in a positive way:

• mental health
• depression
• anxiety
• blood pressure
• heart disease
• addiction and substance abuse 
• eating disorders
• conflict management
• decision-making
• teamwork

...and many more.  

Whatever the situation, we know from dozens of neuroscience research studies that mindfulness can have an impact, usually in a significantly positive way. Though not a cure for everything wrong in the world today, developing a calm, aware, and non-judgmental stance can only create more space to approach life with curiosity and creativity.  

Please be in touch if you have specific questions about mindfulness.